Rightmove says big rise in rental supply still nothing like enough

Rightmove says the number of available rental properties is currently 14% higher than this time last year, while tenant demand is down 16%.

However, despite these improvements, the portal insists there is still a way to go to reach pre-pandemic supply and demand levels. The number of available homes to rent is still 20% below 2019, while 22% more tenants are looking to move than in 2019.

The number of enquiries each rental property is receiving from would-be tenants is now 17 which, whilst down from 26 this time last year, is more than double the 8 at this time in 2019.

The slowing in number of enquiries per property is driven by more rental properties becoming available, and fewer tenants looking to move.

A recent Rightmove study showed that around 120,000 more rental properties are needed to bring rental price growth back towards more normal pre-pandemic levels of around 2% to 3%, based on current demand.

Rightmove claims there have been some early positive signs from the new government regarding improvements in the rental market for tenants. Labour has pledged to get 1.5m more homes built, which the portal says could improve the availability of rental properties for tenants if some go to the private rented sector, or more tenants can become first-time buyers.

Rightmove is also calling for further support from the government for landlords to encourage investment in the private rented sector, particularly any help with making properties more energy efficient. A balanced approach to the rental market that acknowledges the importance of landlord investment will ultimately benefit tenants, providing them with a broader choice of higher-quality homes.

Meanwhile its latest market snapshot, out this morning, shows that the average advertised rent of new properties coming onto the market hits a new quarterly record, with the average price outside of London now £1,314 pcm. Average rental prices are 7% higher than a year ago, slowing from a peak of 12% in 2022.

Average advertised rents in London have also risen to a new record of £2,661, now 4% higher than last year, compared with the peak of 16% in 2022.

The overall balance between supply and demand has continued to improve during the second quarter of this year. However, the latest snapshot of the rental market highlights how busy it remains compared to more normal levels seen pre-pandemic – meaning both letting agents and tenants are unlikely to feel any improvements yet.

Rightmove’s director of property science Tim Bannister says: “With 17 enquiries for every available rental property, the market remains out of balance and difficult for tenants. We need landlord investment to increase stock and help achieve a healthier supply and demand balance in the market. There is an opportunity to encourage landlords to continue to invest in good quality homes, for example through tax changes, incentives to help with energy-efficient upgrades or a general sentiment change in government towards working alongside and with landlords. Landlords have previously told us that the government’s perception of landlords is one of their main concerns about the sector. Support for both tenants and landlords will be key to achieving long-term stability in the rental market.”