Over a third of UK property investors are looking to sell properties in 2020 due to higher taxes and greater regulation, new research by Accumulate Capital has revealed. The property development firm commissioned an independent survey of more than 750 UK property investors – all of whom own three or more residential properties – about their sentiment towards the country’s buy-to-let (BTL) market.

It found that 37% of UK property investors are planning on selling one or more of the residential properties they own in 2020. Of those planning to sell, 61% said this was in response to the greater regulation and higher taxes they now face as BTL investors.

A fifth (21%) said they will instead focus on alternative property investment opportunities, like debt investment and development finance. Accumulate Capital’s study showed that 72% of property investors consider current taxes and regulations to be unfairly weighted against landlords.   Over three fifths (63%) said they are not considering new buy-to-let purchases as a result of reforms to the private rented sector (PRS) that will be introduced from 6th April 2020. These include mortgage interest tax relief reforms and changes to private residence relief.