Selling a buy-to-let property in London while tenants are still in place can be a smart move—especially if you're targeting investors who value a ready-made, income-generating asset. However, the process comes with legal, logistical, and tenant-relations challenges that must be handled with care.
Whether you're downsizing your portfolio, exiting the rental market, or responding to market trends, this guide explains the key considerations, legal obligations, and strategies for successfully selling a tenanted property in London—with expert support from Fraser Bond.
Yes. UK law permits landlords to sell tenanted properties, often marketed as “tenants in situ” sales. This is particularly attractive to buy-to-let investors, as they can earn rental income from day one and avoid the cost of finding new tenants.
However, you must decide early on:
Do you want to sell with tenants in place (to an investor)?
Or serve notice and sell with vacant possession (for owner-occupiers)?
Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST): Most common in the UK; can be periodic or fixed-term.
Company let or contractual tenancy: May have different notice requirements and implications.
If selling with vacant possession, you must serve notice correctly under Section 21 (no-fault eviction) or Section 8 (for breaches).
Minimum notice periods vary—currently 2 months for Section 21 (subject to legal changes).
Tenants have the right to:
Remain until the end of their tenancy or until a court grants possession
Quiet enjoyment of the property
Receive appropriate notice for viewings (typically 24 hours in writing)
Investor buyers are often happy to retain tenants and may require tenancy documentation.
Owner-occupiers will expect vacant possession on completion.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Immediate rental income for buyer | Limited buyer pool (investors only) |
| No rental void or loss of income pre-sale | May achieve slightly lower price |
| Sale process doesn’t disrupt tenancy | Access for viewings may be restricted |
| Appealing to portfolio investors | Tenants may not cooperate |
Fraser Bond helps you evaluate your priorities and match your approach to the right buyer type.
To sell a tenanted property, especially to another landlord, you’ll need:
Copy of the signed AST agreement
Deposit protection certificate and prescribed information
Gas Safety Certificate
EPC
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
Rent statement and payment history
Inventory and schedule of condition
Details of any tenancy breaches or disputes
Fraser Bond offers specialist sales services for landlords, ensuring your property sale is compliant, efficient, and tailored to the investment market.
We notify tenants professionally, schedule viewings with sensitivity, and ensure legal rights are respected.
We promote your property to active landlord-investors, highlighting yield potential, tenancy terms, and rental performance.
Our team ensures all documents and certificates are in place, reducing buyer concerns and delays.
Through our network, we connect landlords with cash buyers and investors looking for long-term tenanted properties across London.
From notices to contract exchange, our in-house legal experts ensure smooth, compliant transactions.
Selling a tenanted property in London can be a strategic and profitable decision—but it requires planning, legal understanding, and expert execution. Whether you’re transferring a high-yield flat in Zone 1 or an HMO in outer boroughs, Fraser Bond offers landlord-focused guidance to ensure the sale benefits both you and your tenants.
