Rental demand peaks with up to 30 tenants per property in hotspots
Rightmove’s latest analysis reveals intense competition for rental homes in Britain’s busiest summer months, with some locations seeing up to 30 tenants vying for a single available property despite easing market pressures.
Rightmove’s data for July and August 2026 shows that rental properties across Great Britain attracted an average of 11 enquiries each, marking a slight decrease from last year’s 12 but remaining above pre-pandemic levels. In certain hotspots, competition was even fiercer, with up to 30 prospective tenants competing for each available rental listing.
This heightened demand occurs even as the pace of rent growth slows and supply conditions improve, reflecting a market still adjusting from the pandemic-era extremes. The findings highlight the ongoing challenges for tenants seeking accommodation and the opportunities and pressures for landlords and letting agents managing lettings in high-demand areas.
Rightmove’s rental competition analysis and what it shows
Rightmove measured competition by counting enquiries per available rental property during July and August, the peak rental season. An enquiry is defined as a prospective tenant contacting a letting agent to arrange a viewing. The portal ranked 1,000 locations across Great Britain by the number of enquiries each listing received.
While the national average was 11 enquiries per property, some areas saw up to 30 tenants competing for a single rental. This is a significant drop from the 28 enquiries per property recorded in the same months of 2022, when the market was at its most frenzied, but still well above the pre-pandemic average of eight enquiries.
Rents nationally remain at record levels, with the average advertised rent at £1,580 per calendar month. However, the rate of rent increases has slowed as supply improves and competition eases compared to the peak years.
Context of the rental market’s evolving dynamics
The rental market has undergone substantial shifts since the pandemic, which saw a surge in demand and a shortage of available properties. This pushed competition and rents to record highs, making it difficult for many tenants to secure homes.
Since then, supply has gradually improved as more landlords return to the market and new properties become available. This has contributed to a slight easing in competition and a slowing of rent growth. However, the persistence of high enquiry numbers in certain hotspots indicates that supply remains tight relative to demand in many areas.
For landlords, this environment means continued strong interest in rental properties, which can support rental income and reduce void periods. For tenants, it underscores the ongoing challenges in securing accommodation, particularly in competitive locations.
Practical implications for landlords and letting agents
Landlords managing properties in high-demand areas can expect strong enquiry levels and potentially multiple applications per property. This requires efficient tenant vetting and letting processes to select suitable tenants quickly and minimise voids.
Letting agents should prepare for high volumes of enquiries and ensure clear communication with landlords and prospective tenants. Maintaining accurate records of enquiries and applications is essential, especially as regulatory scrutiny of letting practices continues to increase.
Despite the easing from pandemic peaks, competition remains above historical norms, so landlords should continue to monitor local market conditions closely and adjust rent levels and marketing strategies accordingly.
Remaining uncertainties and what to watch
While the data indicates a slight easing in competition and rent growth, the rental market remains sensitive to broader economic and policy factors. Changes in government housing policy, interest rates, and local supply dynamics could all impact demand and rents.
The impact of recent rental reforms, including the Renters’ Rights Act and evolving landlord licensing requirements, also remains to be fully seen in terms of how they affect landlord behaviour and market supply.
Landlords and agents should keep abreast of regulatory updates and market data to anticipate further changes in demand and competition levels.
What landlords should consider now
- Review local rental demand and competition data regularly to inform rent setting and marketing.
- Ensure tenant vetting and application processes are efficient and compliant with current regulations.
- Maintain thorough records of enquiries, applications, and communications to support compliance and dispute resolution.
- Stay updated on regulatory developments affecting tenancy agreements, possession processes, and landlord licensing.
- Consider how supply improvements or constraints in your area may affect future rental income and void periods.
Supporting landlords with rental market challenges
Membership of The Landlord Association (TLA) offers access to tailored compliance resources and practical guidance to help landlords and letting agents manage high-demand rental properties effectively. TLA’s BETA testing of ORBIT, a new property management and compliance platform, provides tools to organise property records, monitor tenancy documentation, and record key actions such as inspections and communications.
ORBIT’s developing features include a property management AI assistant to support landlords in maintaining compliance with evolving regulations and managing tenant enquiries efficiently. Access to these resources can help landlords navigate the complexities of a competitive rental market while meeting their legal obligations.
Explore TLA membership and learn more about ORBIT BETA access to support your portfolio management and compliance needs in this dynamic market.
Looking ahead, landlords should prepare for ongoing market fluctuations and regulatory changes by staying informed and using available tools to maintain effective property management and compliance.
Sources: Letting Agent Today
TLA - The Landlord Association