if you really like this property though there's nothing stopping you asking the estate agents if you paid the same monthly rent could you stay.

It would save the landlord the estate agent fees (if you have the landlords direct number best to call them) as the estate agents will want there fees.

I never understand landlords who have a yearly turnaround as its much better to have tenants long term who treat it like a home. But often I find agents tell them to change yearly so they can increase rent, but also the agents win for all the fees they charge to the landlord as they can no longer charge the tenant.

Definitely give them a call worth a try and best of luck