What’s Really Happening in the UK Rental Market

Andy and Ian sit down to chat through what’s really happening in the UK rental market in 2025. From rising rental stock to changing tenant demand and new mortgage deals, this update is packed with tips for landlords, tenants, and investors. If you’re in property, this one’s worth a watch!

What’s Really Happening in the UK Rental Market – 2025 Update
In the video above, Andy and Ian sit down to talk about what’s actually going on in the rental market right now. Whether you're a landlord, tenant, or property investor, there’s loads of useful info packed into this episode.
Here’s a quick look at what they cover:
  • Is tenant demand starting to cool down?
  • Why rental stock has gone up by 11% in the last year
  • How mortgage rates are affecting whether people rent or buy
  • What landlords should know about the busy rental season (May to September)
  • Why now might be a good time for new landlords to get started
  • What’s really going on with the Renters’ Reform Bill
  • The latest mortgage deals – including rates under 3.2% for buy-to-let

Tenant demand has dropped slightly but the market’s still busy
Andy explains that we’re no longer seeing 25 people apply for every rental. Now it’s more like 12. That’s still strong demand, but a lot more balanced than it was.
At the same time, more rental homes have come onto the market – 11% more than last year. So tenants have a bit more choice, and landlords are seeing a steadier flow of enquiries.

If you’re a landlord timing is everything
Andy’s top tip? Aim to market your property around two months before you want a tenant to move in. That’s because most renters already live somewhere and have to give two months' notice.

So, if your property is ready for someone in September, get it listed by July to attract the most applicants.

Some tenants are now choosing to buy instead
Mortgage rates have started to improve, and that’s giving more tenants the confidence to buy. Andy and Ian mention that first-time buyer activity is on the rise and some deals are looking a lot better than they were just six months ago.

Is it still worth being a landlord?
Despite the challenges over the last few years tax changes, legislation, higher costs – the answer is yes, property still stacks up as a solid investment.
Buy-to-let mortgage rates are looking much better now, and rental income remains strong. If you’re thinking about investing, there are sub-3.2% mortgage rates out there, and yields around 4.8% in places like the South East.
The key is having a good letting agent on your side, especially with new rules coming in. A great agent will help you stay protected and avoid any nasty surprises.

Need help or advice?
If you’re a landlord thinking about renting out your property, or an investor looking at your next move, Andy’s happy to help.


Get in touch with us

Young people have been locked out of homeownership. Deposits are impossible to save. Mortgage rules are too strict. And ‘Generation Rent’ is now permanent. According to the narrative by the newspapers, younger generation homeownership has collapsed.

The Burghfield Common property market can often feel far more active than it really is.

For some homebuyers, the kitchen is the deal maker. For others, it is the number of bedrooms, the school catchment or the distance to the railway station. Yet for a sizeable group of buyers, the garden matters just as much as the house itself. Across Stevenage and its surrounding villages, there are 297 homes with large gardens.

Burghfield Common's private rental market has changed considerably over the last five years. In 2021, the average monthly rent in Burghfield Common was £1,189. So far in 2026, that figure stands at £1,503. That is a rise of 26.4%. To put that into context, the average UK rent increased from £1,390 in 2021 to £1,744 in 2026, a rise of 25.5%.