There’s been a noticeable shift in the rental market as we move into 2026, and for the first time in several years, things are starting to feel a little more… balanced.

According to the latest Rightmove Rental Trends Tracker, average rents outside London have remained completely flat at £1,370 per calendar month, marking the first time since 2017 that there hasn’t been a Q1 increase. 

In London, rents have still edged upwards, but only slightly, rising by 0.7% to £2,736pcm. 

After years of relentless growth, this slowdown signals an important turning point.

📊 What the data is telling us

Across 2025, rental growth was already starting to soften and Q1 2026 has reinforced that trend.

👉 Quarterly rental growth trend

We’ve moved from steady increases to a pause:

• Q2 2025: +1.2%
• Q3 2025: +1.5%
• Q4 2025: -1.1%
• Q1 2026: 0.0% 

This isn’t a market in decline, but it is one that’s stabilising.

More choice for tenants and a shift in power

One of the biggest drivers behind this change is supply.

There are now 3% more rental homes available than a year ago, giving tenants more choice and easing the intense competition we’ve seen in recent years. 

At the same time:

• The average property now receives 8 enquiries, down from 11 last year
• At the peak in 2022, this figure was 29 enquiries per property 

That’s a significant shift.

We’re now in a market where:

• Tenants have more negotiating power
• Landlords need to price more carefully
• Speed alone is no longer guaranteed 

📊 Rents: holding steady, but still high

👉 Average rents comparison

While rents have stabilised quarter-on-quarter, they haven’t dropped.

• Outside London: £1,370pcm (no change)
• London: £2,736pcm (+0.7%) 

And importantly, rents are still 1.6% higher than this time last year outside London. 

So, while the pace of growth has slowed, affordability remains a key challenge, particularly in higher-value areas.

A more price-sensitive market

One of the most telling statistics in the report is this:

➡️ 26% of rental listings have seen a price reduction

That’s the highest level ever recorded for this time of year. 

This reflects a clear shift:

• Tenants are more selective
• Overpricing is being corrected
• Realistic valuations are now essential 

For landlords, the strategy is changing. It’s no longer about pushing for the highest possible rent, it’s about securing the right tenant at the right price.

📍 Regional picture: why local knowledge matters

👉 Regional rental values

The national headlines only tell part of the story.

• London: £2,736pcm
• South East: £1,893pcm
• East of England: £1,653pcm
• North East: £952pcm 

Even within regions, performance varies, and that’s where local expertise becomes critical.

For areas like Colchester, Chelmsford, Sudbury and Frinton, we’re seeing similar patterns:

• Strong demand still present
• But more price sensitivity than before
• And a growing importance placed on presentation and value 

What this means for landlords and tenants

For landlords:

• Pricing correctly from day one is crucial
• Well-presented properties are still letting quickly
• Overpricing increases the risk of void periods 

For tenants:

• There is more choice than we’ve seen in years
• Competition is easing, but hasn’t disappeared
• Acting decisively on the right property still matters 

Looking ahead

There are still some big factors to watch in 2026:

• The Renters’ Rights Act coming into force
• Rising buy-to-let mortgage rates (now around 5.79%)
• Ongoing affordability pressures 

For now, though, the key takeaway is clear:

👉 The rental market isn’t cooling, it’s rebalancing.

Thinking of letting or renting?

Whether you’re a landlord reviewing your portfolio or a tenant planning your next move, understanding your local market has never been more important.

At Boydens, our teams across Essex and Suffolk combine national insight with on-the-ground knowledge to help you make the right decisions.

Get in touch with your local Boydens office today to discuss your next move.