There is still a shortage of homes across the UK for renters, and some areas are suffering more than others.  Things do look slightly better than before.

Tenants

Rightmove suggests that the number of tenants looking to move has come down by 16% compared to last year, although the number of homes available to rent has increased by around 8%. If you compare 2019 to 2024, 17% more tenants are looking to move and far fewer available homes, at 32% less than in 2019.

Depending on where you want to rent is where the issue lies.  Some areas attract up to and, in some cases, more than three times the national average enquiries (19) for each available property.

Top property locations

The areas in most demand for renters are noted below.

While plenty of reports and commentary the rental market is easing, this suggests otherwise. I also recently saw in the Republic of Ireland one property with an average appearance and quality but a queue of 137 people looking to view it.

With an average of 54 people viewing every property in Wrexham and 52 in Glasgow, there is a long way to go before we see a balance between supply and demand in many locations. Given Labour's plans in the coming year, it will undoubtedly get worse before it gets better.  More landlords may well leave the market.  Love or loathe private landlords, the market simply can't cope without them.