Nearly 60% of UK landlords have raised rents over the past year with more than a third planning further increases in the coming months, according to new data published by property management and finance platform Lendlord.
The findings, drawn from a nationwide survey of active landlords, shed new light on landlord behaviour in a market shaped by high demand, low vacancy rates, and ongoing regulatory uncertainty.
They also suggest that while rents are continuing to rise, many landlords are taking a cautious and considered approach to pricing.
According to the research, 58.5% of landlords have already raised rents in the past 12 months – 27.4% across their entire portfolio, and 31.1% on select properties.
RAISING RENTS
Looking ahead, 36.3% of respondents say they plan to raise rents in the next six months, with a further 30.4% undecided and watching the market.
Despite affordability pressures facing tenants, vacancy rates remain extremely low. Just 6.8% of landlords reported more than 25% vacancy in their portfolios, while nearly three-quarters (72.8%) said all of their properties are currently let.
Tenant turnover has also remained stable, with 73.8% of landlords reporting no significant change in move-ins or move-outs.
Lendlord also explored sentiment around the Renters’ Rights Bill, which is set to overhaul tenancy law in England. While 72% of landlords are monitoring the Bill or planning to review rents in light of it, only 14.4% have made changes to their pricing strategy so far, suggesting landlords are waiting for further clarity before acting.
PIVOTAL ROLE
Aviram Shahar, Co-founder and CEO of Lendlord, says: “Landlords continue to play a pivotal role in meeting housing demand across the UK, and our latest survey shows that most are taking a measured approach to rent increases despite ongoing pressures.
“Many are raising rents, but they’re doing so cautiously, balancing inflationary pressures with tenant stability. Our data shows demand remains high, with very low vacancy rates across the board, and landlords are carefully monitoring the potential impact of regulatory change.
“This latest data gives a clearer picture of how landlords are responding on the ground, not just in terms of pricing, but how they’re thinking about stability, regulation and future plans.”
REGIONAL RENT DATA
Alongside the survey results, Lendlord has published its latest landlord-reported regional rent data. It shows that Greater London remains the UK’s most expensive region for renters, with average monthly rents reaching £1,959.78. The South West follows at £1,500.99, and the South East at £1,383.36.
In contrast, average rents in the North East sit at £732.55, with Northern Ireland at £743.61 and Scotland at £844.24.
