Early 2026 London lettings market update: strategies and insights for landlords

Early 2026 London lettings market update: strategies and insights for landlords

By Sophia Wood-Burgess

By

A steadier market, clearer signals and scope for the best lets to shine.

"...The winners will be those landlords pricing their listings with surgical precision, using real-time data, not guesswork. The Renters’ Rights Act phases in from 1 May, and yes, it’ll change the lettings market. However, confidence tends to rebound once speculation ends and the rules become actionable. Your Foxtons agent knows exactly how to navigate this new landscape. So, let’s crack on.”

Gareth Atkins
Managing Director - Lettings

See the full story in the Lettings Market Report - December 2025

The market so far...

The data in our report, which runs through December 2025, shows a clear shift over the second half of last year. Supply increased, renter competition eased and rental growth steadied. That has changed the dynamic coming into 2026. Renters have more choice, landlords are competing more directly with one another and decisions are being made on the strength of each listing rather than the pace of the market.

So, this will not be a hands‑off market. Success in 2026 will come down to pricing accurately, presenting homes well and keeping on top of the detail. Renters can see more options and move more easily, so the strongest lets stand out faster. Landlords who stay organised, take advice early and keep their properties competitive do not need to be the cheapest or the flashiest. They just need to be well positioned. For those landlords, the opportunities this year presents are significant.

📈 Key numbers from the report

• The supply of new rental listings increased by 6% from November, according to Zoopla market data.

• Across 2025 as a whole, the average rent achieved was 2% higher than in 2024.

• In traditionally the quietest month of the year, applicant registrations were 22% lower than in November.

Lettings Market Report - December 2025




Ready for take‑off?

Foxtons, the UK's and London’s number 1 lettings agent,* will get it done for you, from finding the right tenant to expertly managing your property.

Now, we can take you even further...

Collect Avios** with Foxtons:

• Let a new property with Foxtons and collect 30,000 Avios across the first 12 months of the tenancy.

• Add Foxtons Property Management to your existing let and collect 20,000 Avios across the next 12 months.

The first step on your journey
with Foxtons and Avios


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*TwentyCI data, 2025 new lettings instructions at a brand level
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Source:

Market data: Foxtons Business Analytics produces our monthly Lettings Market Report, drawing on cutting-edge technology and our exclusive database, one of the largest for London's property market, to provide unparalleled insights for our landlords each month.

Expert insight: To provide you with the most value, this article features our leading lettings experts. Our team's hands-on experience comes from many years in London's leading lettings agency, so you can rely on our practical, market-tested insight.

This blend of data-driven analysis and expert commentary offers a comprehensive view of the market, helping landlords navigate any market conditions with confidence. For any questions on the report or insight, ask a Foxtons expert.

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