Are you a residential landlord in the Greater Exeter Area?

A fresh report in Property Reporter, based on new research from Goodlord, suggests the pace of landlord exits from the private rented sector may be easing. That is encouraging on one level. But it is not quite the same thing as renewed confidence.

According to the article, Goodlord surveyed more than 1,200 landlords and found that 72% are currently in a holding pattern — neither actively selling nor buying. Even so, 24% are still selling, or looking to sell, some or all of their portfolio. Only 4% said they are actively investing in new property, while just 44% expect to still be in the sector by 2031. As Emily Popple of Goodlord put it, many landlords appear to be in a “holding pattern” as they wait to see how the Renters’ Rights Act beds in from 1 May 2026.

That matters because a slower rate of exit does not necessarily mean the market is recovering. If more landlords are selling than buying, the underlying supply issue remains. And that is likely to keep pressure on rents, choice and availability. Goodlord’s broader message, again reported by Property Reporter, is that the wider signals are “still concerning”.

For landlords in Exeter and the surrounding area, the takeaway is simple: this is not a market for guesswork. Whether you are thinking of holding, restructuring or selling, the right decision will depend on your numbers, your property, your tenant position and your longer-term plans.

For some landlords, the best move will be to stay the course — but with sharper management, proper compliance and a clear view of future returns. For others, this may be the right time to review whether capital could be better released elsewhere. A well-presented, correctly priced property can still attract strong interest, particularly where there is owner-occupier demand.