Private Rents in Great Britain Halt Rise for First Time Since 2017
Average private rents in Great Britain have stopped rising for the first time since 2017, marking a significant shift after nearly a decade of continuous increases. Data from property website Rightmove reveals that typical advertised rents outside London remained flat at £1,370 per month during the first quarter of 2026. This stagnation is attributed to landlords cutting prices to secure tenants, with 26% of listings seeing price reductions, the highest proportion recorded since 2012. The change reflects easing competition as supply increased by 3% compared to the previous year, reaching its highest level for this period since 2021. While affordability remains stretched, tenant demand appears to be hitting a ceiling. In contrast, London rents rose slightly by 0.7% to £2,736. The report also notes broader economic influences, including the impact of the Iran war on living costs and borrowing rates, alongside the upcoming implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act in May 2026, which abolishes no-fault evictions. Despite concerns about pre-law evictions, Rightmove observed no surge in new listings ahead of the legislative change.
Wire timeline
Private Rents in Great Britain Halt Rise for First Time Since 2017
Average private rents in Great Britain have stopped rising for the first time since 2017, marking a significant shift after nearly a decade of continuous increases. Data from property website Rightmove reveals that typical advertised rents outside London remained flat at £1,370 per month during the first quarter of 2026. This stagnation is attributed to landlords cutting prices to secure tenants, with 26% of listings seeing price reductions, the highest proportion recorded since 2012. The change reflects easing competition as supply increased by 3% compared to the previous year, reaching its highest level for this period since 2021. While affordability remains stretched, tenant demand appears to be hitting a ceiling. In contrast, London rents rose slightly by 0.7% to £2,736. The report also notes broader economic influences, including the impact of the Iran war on living costs and borrowing rates, alongside the upcoming implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act in May 2026, which abolishes no-fault evictions. Despite concerns about pre-law evictions, Rightmove observed no surge in new listings ahead of the legislative change.
The Guardian