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Sun, 13 Sep 2026

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 Gloomy forecast for tenants as rent rises set to speed up

The cost of renting is expected to rise by 4% or 5% a year by December, according to property website Zoopla.

* Average rental costs for new tenancies in the UK rose by 2.6% in July compared with a year earlier.
* Zoopla has forecast annual rent rises among privately rented homes to hit 4% or 5% by the end of the year.
* The number of available rental properties fell by 3% over the past year, while each listing now receives an average of more than five enquiries.
* Rental demand was particularly significant in London.
* Rent rises are being seen across the UK, but the situation differs depending on location.
* In less expensive areas, renters have more capacity to absorb rent rises before hitting an affordability ceiling.
* New investment in homes to rent by landlords remains "muted as a result of higher costs and more regulation".