29% More Rental Properties come to the Market in June 2026 than 2 years ago
The most striking feature of the rental market in June compared to two years ago is not rents. It has been supply.
Across almost every region of the UK, the number of rental properties coming onto the market June 2026 was significantly higher than June 2024. (29% more in fact!). Excluding Northern Ireland, which is a relatively small and unique market, every region has seen a sizeable increase in rental stock. The East Midlands leads the way with a 46% rise, followed closely by Wales (+40.1%) and the West Midlands (+39.9%).
That is quite a surprise.
For several years, the narrative has been one of landlords leaving the sector and rental supply collapsing. Yet these figures suggest that, at least in terms of new rental listings, tenants now have considerably more choice than they did two years ago.
It also helps explain another important trend. Despite all the headlines surrounding rents, average rental growth over the last two years has actually been relatively modest in most regions. In London, rents are virtually unchanged, while many other areas have only seen low single-digit growth. We will be publishing those figures next week.
Part of this increase in supply may well be linked to the strength of the first-time buyer market. Many landlords have undoubtedly sold properties to first-time buyers, yet the fact that rental listings are rising suggests that other landlords are continuing to bring stock to market, perhaps attracted by still healthy rental yields and improving tenant demand.
The rental market therefore appears to be entering a new phase. Demand remains strong, but supply is improving. For tenants, that should mean greater choice. For landlords, it may mean that simply putting a property on the market is no longer enough as pricing and presentation are likely to become increasingly important in the months ahead.
If you are an Ashford landlord, or thinking of becoming a buy-to-let landlord and want to discuss what this means for you and your portfolio, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone.
#landlords #ashfordkent #rentalproperty #propertyinvestment
The most striking feature of the rental market in June compared to two years ago is not rents. It has been supply.
Across almost every region of the UK, the number of rental properties coming onto the market June 2026 was significantly higher than June 2024. (29% more in fact!). Excluding Northern Ireland, which is a relatively small and unique market, every region has seen a sizeable increase in rental stock. The East Midlands leads the way with a 46% rise, followed closely by Wales (+40.1%) and the West Midlands (+39.9%).
That is quite a surprise.
For several years, the narrative has been one of landlords leaving the sector and rental supply collapsing. Yet these figures suggest that, at least in terms of new rental listings, tenants now have considerably more choice than they did two years ago.
It also helps explain another important trend. Despite all the headlines surrounding rents, average rental growth over the last two years has actually been relatively modest in most regions. In London, rents are virtually unchanged, while many other areas have only seen low single-digit growth. We will be publishing those figures next week.
Part of this increase in supply may well be linked to the strength of the first-time buyer market. Many landlords have undoubtedly sold properties to first-time buyers, yet the fact that rental listings are rising suggests that other landlords are continuing to bring stock to market, perhaps attracted by still healthy rental yields and improving tenant demand.
The rental market therefore appears to be entering a new phase. Demand remains strong, but supply is improving. For tenants, that should mean greater choice. For landlords, it may mean that simply putting a property on the market is no longer enough as pricing and presentation are likely to become increasingly important in the months ahead.
If you are an Ashford landlord, or thinking of becoming a buy-to-let landlord and want to discuss what this means for you and your portfolio, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone.
#landlords #ashfordkent #rentalproperty #propertyinvestment