The Intermediary · https://theintermediary.co.uk/2026/06/property-management-sector-grows-for-fifth-year-as-demand-rises-rushbrook-rathbone/
Rushbrook & Rathbone found the UK property management sector has grown for the fifth year in a row, with operational businesses rising by 2.8% across the nation in 2025.
The analysis tracked VAT and PAYE enterprise data and showed there were an estimated 20,105 property management businesses operating across the UK in 2025, up from 19,550 the previous year.
England accounted for 91.1% of all firms, with London as the main hub at 6,200 businesses, making up 30.8% of the UK total.
Growth rates were highest in the East Midlands at 7.9% for 2025.
Over the past five years, Wales saw the most consistent rate at 5.4% per year, followed by the East Midlands at 5.0% and the East of England at 4.3%.
Roma Sharma, managing director at Rushbrook & Rathbone, said: “The role of a property manager today is very different to what it was even five years ago.
“Historically, many landlords viewed property management primarily as a service focused on rent collection and maintenance coordination.
“Whilst those responsibilities remain important, the role has expanded significantly as regulation has increased and operational requirements have become more complex.”
Sharma added: “Landlords are increasingly looking for support with compliance, documentation, tenant communication, contractor management and the day-to-day responsibilities that come with operating a successful rental property.
“The continued growth of the sector reflects this shift. More landlords are recognising that professional management is not simply about convenience, but about protecting both their income and their investment.
“The introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act is only likely to accelerate this trend.”
She said: “As standards continue to evolve, experienced property managers will play an increasingly important role in helping landlords remain compliant whilst delivering a better experience for tenants.
“At the same time, growth within the sector is encouraging because it demonstrates that property management is continuing to professionalise, with landlords increasingly recognising the value of specialist expertise in an ever-changing market.”
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