If you’re a landlord in Essex or Suffolk, recent national figures may give you pause for thought.

Across England and Wales, landlords are now waiting significantly longer to regain possession of their properties when things go wrong. The average timeline has increased by 9% over the past year, rising from 24.4 weeks to 26.6 weeks, that’s more than six months from submitting a claim to completing repossession.

At the same time, repossession volumes are steadily climbing.

Repossessions Rising – and Taking Longer

Over the past four quarters, the average number of quarterly landlord possessions has risen to 7,099, compared with 6,799 in the previous year. While that increase may appear modest, the time taken to complete the process has stretched considerably.

The average time between submitting a possession claim and an order being issued has lengthened, as has the time taken to progress from claim to warrant. In practical terms, this means landlords are waiting longer at every stage of the legal process.

When you combine that with continued legislative change in the private rented sector, it paints a clear picture: the environment for landlords is becoming more complex and more time-sensitive.

Annual Figures Nearing Pre-Pandemic Levels

Looking at the longer-term trend, repossessions are now approaching pre-pandemic levels.

• 2019: 30,319 landlord repossessions
• 2020: 7,327 (as court activity was heavily restricted)
• 2024: 27,582 repossessions
• Q1–Q3 2025: 21,441 repossessions already recorded

While still slightly below 2019 levels, the steady upward movement reflects growing pressure within the private rented sector.

For landlords, the key takeaway isn’t just the number of cases — it’s the time, cost, and uncertainty involved when a tenancy breaks down.

What Does This Mean for Local Landlords?

Here in Colchester, Chelmsford, Sudbury, Frinton and across Essex and Suffolk, we’re speaking to more landlords who are asking the same question:

“If something goes wrong, how protected am I?”

With possession timelines now stretching beyond six months on average, landlords could be facing prolonged periods without rental income, alongside mounting legal costs.

That’s why protection isn’t just a “nice to have”, it’s becoming essential.

Reviewing Your Position in 2026

The lettings landscape continues to evolve, and with further legislative reform on the horizon, now is the time to review your position.

At Boydens, we work closely with landlords to put safeguards in place, including Rent and Legal Guarantee cover, designed to:

• Protect your rental income in the event of tenant breach
• Cover legal costs associated with possession proceedings
• Provide expert guidance through what can otherwise be a lengthy and stressful process

The reality is simple: the court system is slower, regulation is tightening, and the financial risks are higher.

But with the right preparation and professional support, those risks can be managed.

Speak to Your Local Boydens Team

If you’re unsure whether your current tenancy arrangements offer adequate protection, now is the perfect time for a review.

Our experienced lettings teams across Essex and Suffolk are here to help you assess your portfolio, strengthen your position, and ensure you’re properly covered.

Contact Boydens today to review your lettings strategy and find out how our Rent and Legal Guarantee protection can safeguard your income and give you complete peace of mind.