Selling Up in 2025? Why Guaranteed Rent Could Be the Smarter Move

A lot of landlords are asking the same question right now: is it time to get out?

After a decade of strong capital growth and steady rental returns, the landscape has shifted. Mortgage rates are up. Regulations are tightening. Yields are being squeezed. And while some landlords are still managing to ride it out, many are looking at the numbers and seriously considering a sale.

But here’s the problem: selling in a cooling market rarely delivers what you hoped for.

The current landlord squeeze

A few years ago, exit strategies were simple: property values were up, the market was hot, and if you wanted to cash out, you probably could, quickly and profitably.

Today? Not so much.

• House prices have flattened (or dropped in parts of London).

• Buyers are cautious, with higher mortgage costs and tighter criteria.

• Landlords face more regulation, with the Renters Reform Bill, proposed tax changes, and growing compliance pressure.

• Running costs keep climbing - licensing, repairs, renewals, and maintenance aren't getting cheaper.

• And on top of all that: voids, arrears, and management issues continue to chip away at net returns.

It’s no surprise that some landlords are starting to think: maybe it’s time to get out before it gets worse.

But is selling the only way forward?

The smarter middle ground: guaranteed rent

If you’re thinking of exiting because of rising stress, spiraling costs and increasing legislation, not because the property itself is underperforming long-term, there’s another option: Guaranteed rent with Apex.

Rather than selling in a slow market or giving up a long-term asset because of short-term pressure, you fix your income, cut your overheads, and step back from the day-to-day hassle.

Here’s what it looks like:

• Fixed rent every month, paid on time, no voids, no arrears

• No letting agent fees, admin charges or hidden costs

• No tenant chasing, we become your tenant, not your agent

• We manage the property, including maintenance, inspections and compliance reminders

• You keep the asset, and let the market recover at its own pace

Why this works as an exit strategy

Guaranteed rent doesn’t mean you’re locked in forever. What it does is buy you breathing room.

You might want to sell, just not in a slow market. Or you might be waiting for your fixed mortgage deal to end, for capital values to bounce back, or just for the tax picture to become clearer. Either way, Apex gives you a way to:

• Take a step back from active management

• Reduce stress and risk

• Continue earning without the volatility

• Sell when you’re ready, not when the market dictates

Selling isn’t always the wrong move. But selling under pressure often is.

If you’re on the fence about keeping your portfolio, or even just one property, guaranteed rent gives you the option to step away without stepping out.

With Apex, you’ll know exactly what you’re earning, when it’s coming in, and who’s responsible for what. We’ve been doing this since 2008, we’re backed by BGF, and we’re not in the business of short-term deals.

This isn’t a sales pitch, it’s a practical way to stay in control of your investment.

If you're thinking of selling, it might be worth having a conversation first.

Try our Instant Valuation to see how much guaranteed rent we can offer you, or email Lettings@apexhousingsolutions.co.uk.