Private rents across Great Britain have reportedly stopped rising for the first time since 2017, bringing an end to almost a decade of continuous increases. Data from property website Rightmove indicates that a growing number of landlords are now having to lower their asking prices to secure new tenants.
For properties coming onto the market outside of London, the typical advertised private rent remained flat at £1,370 per calendar month during the first three months of 2026. This stabilisation represents a significant shift in the rental market, which has seen sustained upward pressure on prices for an extended period.
This development in the rental market occurs against a backdrop of fluctuating house prices and mortgage rates. While the specifics of house price movements across the UK vary by region, recent data from sources like the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and property portals typically show a more complex picture, with some areas experiencing modest growth and others slight declines. Mortgage rates, though still higher than the historic lows seen in previous years, have also seen some volatility, influencing both landlord costs and potential tenant decisions regarding home ownership.
Regional variations within the UK's housing and rental markets remain pronounced. While the national average for advertised rents outside London has stabilised, specific cities and rural areas may still be experiencing different trends. For instance, demand and supply dynamics can differ significantly between urban centres with high employment and more rural locations, impacting local rental price movements.
The Rightmove data suggests a potential rebalancing in the rental sector. After years of strong tenant demand outstripping supply, leading to consistent rent hikes, the market may now be seeing an adjustment as landlords adapt to current conditions to minimise void periods for their properties.