Landlords are leaving the private rented sector at an unprecedented rate, with an average of 562 properties a day exiting the market during the third quarter of 2026 so far. This represents approximately 44,000 properties, according to new data from TwentyEA.
This figure compares to 495 properties a day at the same point last year and 167 a day at the start of the decade. Despite this trend, the total number of properties available to renters has risen by 1.3% over the past year, following several years of decline.
TwentyEA attributes this increase to a significantly higher number of new properties entering the market compared to lets agreed, alongside growth in build-to-rent stock. New rental supply has jumped by 13.6% compared to the same period in 2025, reaching its highest level in seven years.
The picture varies across price brackets and regions. Available stock between £800 and £1,500 a month has increased by 7% year-on-year, while supply for properties priced between £1,500 and £3,000 a month has fallen by 1.1%, and stock above £3,000 a month is down 6.5%. Wales recorded the largest rise in available stock at 15.2%, while Yorkshire and Inner London both saw a 5.3% decrease.
Rental activity has also strengthened, with lets agreed 3.3% higher than in 2025, marking the highest level in seven years. However, average agreed rents have remained largely flat, with the average let agreed price at £1,475 a month, only £4 higher than a year ago.