More landlords to quit, supply to contract, warns rental business boss

Grainger CEO Helen Gordon predicts worsening supply constraints in the UK rental market, with many smaller landlords likely to exit due to challenges posed by the Renters’ Rights Bill. However, Grainger is well-positioned to thrive under the new regulations, thanks to its focus on high management standards, quality customer service, and energy-efficient properties.

The company’s half-year pre-tax profit reached £74 million, a stark contrast to last year’s £31.2 million loss. Strong demand and high occupancy (96%) are driving its performance, alongside the accelerated growth of its Build To Rent (BTR) portfolio, which is expected to boost revenue by 50% by 2029.

Gordon highlights the resilience of private rented residential properties and buoyant investment activity, including £1 billion in BTR investments in Q1 2025. She anticipates 20% higher rental demand between 2021 and 2031, with room for market share expansion, as BTR currently represents just 2.3% of the total rental market.