You are a dream buyer with nothing to sell. If the landlord wishes to sell to someone else there is a possibility any potential purchaser would have to sell something first meaning he could be caught up in a chain or at least may not be able to achieve a hassle free sale. My advice would be to get a couple of independent valuations which you can get free from any agent as long as you operate on the pretence that you are the owner. Prices have dropped recently and agents are marking properties down so they can at least earn some commission. You are in a buyers market so use that to your advantage. Now is a great time to buy for those who are in the fortunate position of having nothing to sell.