Property Market Hub

23/04/2026

Rightmove Rental Trends Tracker – North West / Outside London (Q1 2026)

Property Market Hub – Market Insight

According to Rightmove data, the rental market outside London, including the North West, has stabilised at the start of 2026, reflecting a more balanced environment between supply and demand
• Average rent: £1,370 pcm (0.0% quarterly growth)
• Annual growth: +1.6% (lowest since 2018)
• Supply: +3% year-on-year
• Tenant demand: 8 enquiries per property, down from 11 last year and 29 at the post-pandemic peak
• Price reductions: 26% of listings reduced

The market is transitioning away from rapid growth, with affordability limits and increased stock reducing upward pressure on rents.

Demand is rebalancing, giving tenants more choice and increasing price sensitivity

Property Market Hub – Lettings Advisory

With the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, effective from 1 May 2026, the sector is moving into a more regulated environment with stricter compliance requirements and the potential for significant financial penalties for non-compliance
Letting a property now requires a compliant and market-led approach

A professional agent supports accurate pricing, stronger tenant selection, and reduced void periods, with strong marketing exposure via Rightmove remaining critical
Core value delivered
• correct pricing to secure tenants faster
• reduced void risk through proactive marketing
• full legal compliance aligned with upcoming legislation
• tenant referencing and rent collection management

In a more balanced and regulated market, professional management supports consistent returns, reduced risk, and full compliance alignment

23/04/2026

Explore the benefits of renting out a property through an agent who can help you find a tenant that suits your property.

27/03/2026

19/12/2024

With the upcoming Renters' Reform Bill set to reshape the UK rental market, landlords must shift their focus toward long-term sustainability rather than purely chasing high rental returns. The abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions, the introduction of periodic tenancies, and stronger tenant rights demand a forward-thinking approach to managing rental properties.

To thrive under these new regulations, landlords should view their properties as long-term investments. This perspective not only aligns with the market’s natural cycles, which can yield significant capital gains over time, but also helps build stable and mutually beneficial relationships with tenants.

Keeping Your Property Compliant and Profitable

1. Stay Compliant with Legislation

Ensure your property meets all safety and energy efficiency standards, such as the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), which require an EPC rating of C or higher by 2028.

Regularly update tenancy agreements to reflect new legal requirements, including pet permissions and the conditions for ending tenancies.

2. Foster Good Communication with Tenants

Maintain open, transparent, and respectful communication with tenants to address concerns promptly.

Respond quickly to maintenance requests and provide clear timelines for repairs to build trust and encourage long-term tenancies.

3. Conduct Regular Inspections

Schedule regular property inspections (with appropriate notice) to ensure your property is well-maintained and identify any issues early.

Use inspections as an opportunity to discuss any tenant concerns and demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe and comfortable home.

4. Keep Detailed Records

Document all communication with tenants, including emails, maintenance requests, and agreements, to ensure clarity and provide a record in case of disputes.

Keep a log of inspections, repairs, and compliance updates to demonstrate your diligence as a landlord.

5. Choose the Right Management Agent

Partner with a reliable and experienced property management agent who understands the changing legislation and can help ensure compliance.

A good agent can handle tenant communication, conduct inspections, and provide professional advice to help you maximize the long-term value of your property.

By focusing on compliance, tenant satisfaction, and proper management, landlords can adapt to the evolving rental landscape while ensuring their properties remain profitable and attractive. Shifting your approach to view rental properties as long-term investments rather than quick cash-generators will help you build a stable and successful portfolio in the years to come.

22/04/2022

Ground Rent Charges Will Be Banned on Most New Residential Leases from 30 June 2022

From 30 June 2022, anyone buying a home on a new long lease will now be freed from these annual costs, helping homeowners manage their bills as they face cost of living increases.
Landlords will be banned from charging ground rent to future leaseholders, under a new law that will lead to fairer, more transparent homeownership for thousands of homebuyers, helping to level up opportunities for more people.
In preparation, many landlords have already reduced ground rent to zero for homebuyers starting a new lease with them.
Anyone preparing to sign a new lease on a home in the next two months should speak to their landlord to ensure their ground rent rate reflects the upcoming changes.