- Average asking rents for properties outside London stalled in early 2026, showing no increase between the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, a first since 2017.
- This stagnation means average advertised rents outside the capital remained at £1,370 per month, while London experienced a 0.7 per cent quarterly rise to £2,736.
- Rightmove reported that 26 per cent of rental listings saw a price reduction, the highest proportion recorded at this time of year since 2012.
- Tenant demand has decreased, with the average rental home now receiving eight inquiries, down from 11 a year ago, indicating a more balanced market.
- The property portal attributes the slowdown to lower tenant demand, increased housing choice, and affordability pressures, suggesting tenants are reaching the limit of what they can pay.
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