Why More UK Landlords Are Choosing to Self-Manage

A Snap of the Numbers — How Many Landlords Actually Self-Manage

According to the latest English Private Landlord Survey (EPLS 2024): 52% of landlords who registered a deposit themselves said they did not use any agent to let or manage their properties. 

• Meanwhile, 43% said they used an agent for letting services, and 18% used agents for management services. 

• These figures are consistent with earlier EPLS waves — for example, in 2021, 49% of landlords surveyed said they did not use an agent. 

That places self-management firmly in the domain of a large minority — roughly half of direct-deposit-registering landlords.

Other industry-based surveys give a slightly different picture but confirm the same trend. A 2025 survey by a letting-industry platform found that about 43% of landlords still self-manage, meaning agent use remains common but is far from being universal. 

Taken together, these data show there is a substantial, stable group of landlords across the UK who choose — or revert to — managing their properties themselves.

Why Landlords Are Opting Out of Agents: Key Drivers

Cost & Yield Pressure

With rising interest rates, mortgage costs and operating expenses have squeezed yields across the buy-to-let sector. Under those conditions, paying an agent’s fee — typically 8–15% of rent or a letting fee — erodes net returns substantially. Many landlords are cutting those fees to remain profitable. The fact that self-manage share remains around 50% suggests cost remains a powerful motivator. Data from EPLS 2024 shows that many landlords view their rental activity as a long-term investment. 

Many Landlords Are Small-Scale / Single-Property — Easier to Self-Manage

EPLS 2024 shows that most landlords are individuals (not companies) and many own only a small number of properties. 
For a landlord with a single flat or house, managing directly can be simpler and more cost-effective than paying for full-service agency management.

Shift in Mindset & Tools — More DIY is Viable

With online tools, like Homesty, digital deposit schemes, tenants’ referencing platforms like Laddr and better communication tech, it’s easier than ever for landlords to manage tenancies without an agent. While not all surveys quantify this “DIY tools effect,” anecdotal evidence from landlords (and tenant feedback) suggests the accessibility of self-management has improved substantially.

Direct Landlord–Tenant Relationships & Control

Many landlords told EPLS 2024 that they view their role not simply as a business, but as a long-term investment (often for pension income) rather than property speculation. 
For these landlords, direct control over tenant choice, upkeep, and long-term tenancy makes sense. It removes the “middleman markup” and can lead to fewer misunderstandings, especially when landlords and tenants trust each other.

What It Really Means to Self-Manage

For Landlords

• Better yields and control: Cutting agency fees can improve net returns.

• Flexibility: You can choose how hands-on you want to be — fully DIY, or hybrid (e.g. agent for tenant finding but DIY management).

• Direct relationships: Closer landlord–tenant relationships can reduce turnover and encourage longer tenancies.

For Tenants

• Potentially lower fees/charges: Fewer intermediaries can reduce the chance of hidden fees.

• Direct responsiveness: In some cases, landlords may respond faster than agents would — especially for maintenance or questions.

• Transparency: You know exactly who you’re dealing with and who’s responsible for what.

  
  

Homesty’s View —
Self-Management Makes Sense for Many

Data shows a clear, enduring reality: self-management is not fringe — it’s mainstream. If you own a small portfolio (1–4 properties), there is a strong economic and practical case for self-managing — especially now, when costs are high, margins are thin, and tenants increasingly value transparency and direct communication.

Self-management can offer higher yields and better landlord–tenant relationships.

And that’s exactly where Homesty comes in.

What Homesty Offers

Homesty supports landlords who want the benefits of self-management with peace-of mind:

• Free Tenant-find services

• Chat directly with those tenants that love your property

• Top Reference Checks

• Digital signature on legally compliant tenancy agreements

• Secure the first month's income on time

You stay in control.
You keep more of your rental income. You earn more.

Moving starts with a connection.

Sources

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/english-private-landlord-survey-2024-main-report/english-private-landlord-survey-2024-main-report?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/english-private-landlord-survey-2021-main-report/english-private-landlord-survey-2021-main-report--2?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.goodlord.co/state-of-the-lettings-industry-report-2025?utm_source=chatgpt.com