A surge in landlords seeking professional letting agents' help is being driven by the complexities introduced by the Renters' Rights Act. This trend has been highlighted in Propertymark's latest Housing Insight Report, which paints a picture of intense competition within England's rental market.
Agents across the country are reporting an average of seven prospective tenants vying for every available property, underscoring the fierce competition faced by renters. Despite some moderation in rental price growth, 59% of agents reported stable rents, while 29% noted continued increases.
A letting agent in Staffordshire noted that while some managed landlords have sold up, their stock has been replenished by landlords who previously managed independently – a direct response to the new legislative landscape. Landlords are seeking professional guidance to navigate the updated regulations, which is prompting some to reconsider re-letting properties when tenants give notice.
Concerns among landlords are running high, particularly regarding the implications of the Renters' Rights Act. An agent in the South West noted that the Act is causing landlords to think twice about re-letting properties, as the process is no longer 'automatic'. This frustration is compounded by constant legislative changes and public comments from government ministers surrounding the Act's implementation.
The UK housing market faces ongoing affordability challenges, with average house prices standing at approximately £268,000. Viewing levels softened in April 2026 to 2.4 viewings per property, but buyer registrations and agreed sales remained stable – a sign that committed buyers are still active. However, higher borrowing costs continue to influence budgets and purchasing decisions, making affordability a key hurdle for many.
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, acknowledged the market's resilience despite wider economic uncertainties and inflation. He welcomed the increase in new sales instructions and overall stock levels, providing buyers with more choice – although he reiterated the need for continued improvements to the home buying and selling process, given that a significant proportion of transactions still take over 17 weeks to reach exchange.