## England’s Rental Market Sees Moderate Growth in February 2026

Rents across England increased by 2% year-on-year in February 2026, with the average monthly rent reaching £1,203, up from £1,180 in February 2025. This data comes from the latest Goodlord rental index, which is based on verified tenancy agreements rather than advertised prices, providing a reliable indicator of actual market conditions.

The 2% annual rise marks a slowdown compared to the 2.4% increase recorded in January 2026 and is significantly lower than the 4% growth seen in February 2025. Month-on-month, average rents edged up slightly by 0.15%, from £1,201 in January to £1,203 in February.

## Regional Variations Highlight Diverse Market Conditions

While the overall trend shows moderate rent growth, regional data reveals contrasting movements. The East of England experienced a notable fall in average rents, down 4.5% to £1,305 from £1,367 a year earlier. The South West also saw a slight decline of 1%, with rents dropping from £1,218 to £1,208.

Conversely, northern regions recorded the most significant increases. The North West saw average rents rise by 9.3%, from £1,002 to £1,096, while the North East experienced a 5.3% increase, with rents reaching £806.

Other regions reported modest rises: the East Midlands increased by 3.7% to £963, Greater London by 3% to £2,137, the South East by 1.1% to £1,366, the West Midlands by 1.8% to £1,018, and Yorkshire and the Humber by 2.4% to £930.

## Market Stability and Implications for Landlords

William Reeve, Goodlord’s chief executive, commented on the data: “Another month of cooling rental inflation reinforces the picture that the market is returning to some form of equilibrium after a series of record-breaking years. This is good news for tenants, particularly if rental price increases continue to sit below wage growth figures. It’s also a positive sign that there isn’t a supply shortage, despite the wider regulatory turbulence that landlords are navigating.”

He added that if these trends persist into spring, they could provide a relatively benign environment for the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act on 1 May 2026.

For landlords and letting agents, this stabilisation may mean more predictable rental income growth and potentially shorter void periods, reducing the risk and cost of vacant properties.

## Shortening Voids Across England

The Goodlord index also reports a reduction in void periods during February 2026 following a rise in January. The average time between tenancies across England fell by 15.4%, from 26 days to 22 days.

Regionally, the South West saw the most significant improvement with voids dropping from 28 to 18 days. The East of England followed, with a reduction from 31 to 19 days. Other regions also saw declines: East Midlands (34 to 25 days), South East (27 to 23 days), North West (26 to 22 days), North East (26 to 23 days), West Midlands (30 to 27 days), and Yorkshire and the Humber (24 to 22 days).

Shorter void periods can help landlords reduce lost rental income and improve cash flow, which is particularly important amid ongoing regulatory changes.

## What This Means for UK Landlords

The rental market’s current trajectory suggests a period of relative stability after several years of rapid rent inflation. Landlords should be aware of regional variations in rent growth and void periods to optimise portfolio management. The easing inflation rate and shorter voids may help landlords manage costs and tenant turnover more effectively, especially as new legislation comes into force.

Staying informed about these trends will be crucial for landlords and agents to make strategic decisions and maintain sustainable rental income.

Suggested internal link anchors
– rental market trends UK
– average monthly rent
– regional rent variations
– void periods in rental properties
– Renters’ Rights Act 2026
– rental inflation
– landlord portfolio management
– tenancy agreements
– rental income growth
– regulatory changes for landlords
– tenant turnover
– property management strategies

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/