“It offered rental income, potential capital growth, and a form of pension planning for ordinary people who were prepared to take on the responsibility of providing housing.
“I am not considering selling because I believe tenants should have fewer rights, or because I think landlords should be free from regulation.”
Neale added: “Good tenants deserve safe, secure, well-managed homes. Bad landlords should be dealt with.
“But the current direction of travel has made small-scale private letting increasingly difficult to justify, especially for landlords who own one or two properties and manage them alongside other work or retirement plans.
“Property markets move in cycles. Landlords should think about whether they’re selling because of short-term pressures or because the investment no longer aligns with their long-term goals.”
He said: “For landlords who are tired of the day-to-day responsibilities, using a letting agent or property management service could reduce the workload without requiring a sale.
“Strong rental demand and low vacancy rates can help offset some of the challenges facing landlords. Understanding local market conditions is key before making a final decision.
“If rising mortgage costs are driving the decision, it may be worth speaking to a broker about remortgaging or refinancing options before selling.”
He added: “Many landlords originally purchased rental properties as part of their retirement planning.
“Consider how selling fits into wider financial goals and whether alternative investments would deliver the same benefits.”
“The buy-to-let market isn’t disappearing, but it is changing. Landlords are having to be more strategic than ever before, whether they’re expanding their portfolio, holding onto existing properties or considering a sale.”
He said: “The most important thing is to make decisions based on the long-term picture rather than reacting to short-term challenges.”