Rental Market Report September 2026

Average UK rent rises to £1,343

The average rent for new lets in the UK is £1,343 as of September 2026. This is a rise of 2.6% or £30 in the last year.

The 2.6% UK rental inflation rate doesn't reflect what most people are experiencing when moving. In reality, rents are rising faster than the national average in 75% of local areas.

This spike is being driven by shortage in available rental housing, with 25% fewer rental homes on the market now than before the pandemic. The lack of available properties is what keeps pushing prices upward.

Download the Zoopla UK Rental Market Report September 2026 (PDF, 736kB)

Rental growth picks up as supply falls

Rental growth is starting to accelerate as the number of homes available to rent falls.

UK rents are 2.6% higher than a year ago, up from 1.6% in February. At the same time, there are 3% fewer homes available to rent than a year ago, while the flow of new rental stock is 6% lower.

With fewer properties available, competition is increasing. There are now 5.3 enquiries per rental listing, 6% higher than a year ago and the highest level for almost two years.

For agents, this creates an opportunity to demonstrate the value of accurate pricing and local market expertise to landlords, while helping them make the most of renewed rental demand.

London faces the greatest squeeze

London is seeing both rising demand and falling supply, with rental growth increasing to 2.9%, up from 1.7% a year ago.

Higher mortgage rates are keeping more would-be first-time buyers renting for longer, adding to demand for rental homes.

The squeeze is greatest across inner London, where the number of homes available to rent is 13% lower than a year ago while demand is higher.

For agents operating in London, understanding local rental values and advising landlords on pricing will be increasingly important as competition for homes increases.

Rental growth set to accelerate further

Rental growth over the last six months is running at an annualised rate of around 4%, pointing to further acceleration over the remainder of the year.

We expect UK rental growth to reach 4-5% by the end of 2026, bringing rental growth more closely in line with average earnings.

The shift towards a tighter rental market means agents have an opportunity to strengthen relationships with landlords, particularly those who are privately managing their properties or considering whether to enter the rental market.

The focus for agents

The rental market is becoming more competitive again, with fewer homes available and more renters competing for each property.

For agents, this creates an opportunity to focus on winning new landlord instructions and demonstrating the value of professional lettings and property management services.

Landlords will increasingly need local insight to understand achievable rents, manage changing tenant demand and maximise the returns from their properties.

With rental growth expected to reach 4-5% by the end of 2026, agents that can combine accurate pricing advice with strong tenant demand and expert local knowledge will be well placed to support landlords and grow their lettings business.

About our Rental Market Report

The Zoopla Rental Market Report is a repeat transaction index, based on asking rents and adjusted to reflect achieved rents. The index is designed to accurately track the change in rental pricing for UK housing.

Download the full September 2026 Rental Market Report.

About the Zoopla Rental Index

Our Rental Market Index is a repeat transaction index, based on asking rents and adjusted to reflect achieved rents. The index is designed to accurately track the change in rental pricing for UK housing.

The Zoopla Rental Market Report is first published on Zoopla.co.uk.