New data from Propertymark reveals that competition for rental properties remains intense, with demand continuing to outstrip supply. The latest housing insight report indicates an average of eight applicants for every available property at member branches.
Tenant demand increased month-on-month, with the average number of new registrations per member branch rising to 98. Conversely, the supply of rental homes experienced a slight dip, with an average of 12.09 properties available per member branch.
Phil Spencer, founder of MoveiQ, noted that despite rent increases stabilising, the imbalance between demand and supply persists. Nathan Emerson, chief executive of Propertymark, added that the long-standing imbalance in the lettings sector remains firmly in place.
The Renters’ Rights Act came into force on 1 May 2026. A Propertymark member agent from the West Midlands suggested that the Act is causing additional hardship for tenants due to a lack of fixed-term tenancies for security.
In the residential sales market, stock levels showed a marginal increase, with an overall average of 44 properties for sale at each member branch. Mr Spencer stated that the housing market remains steady, presenting opportunities for first-time buyers.