{"id":13543,"date":"2026-01-14T11:49:30","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T11:49:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lettingaproperty.com\/landlord\/blog\/?p=13543"},"modified":"2026-01-14T12:58:43","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T12:58:43","slug":"rental-pulse-january-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lettingaproperty.com\/landlord\/blog\/rental-pulse-january-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Rental Pulse | January 2026: Your 2026 Strategy Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

What 2025’s market shift means for your portfolio \u2014 and the 3 things you need to do before May<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Welcome to 2026. The rental market rebalanced significantly in 2025 \u2014 supply increased, tenant demand eased, and rent growth slowed. For landlords, this shift creates both opportunities and risks.<\/p>\n

With the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force in May, now is the time to position your portfolio strategically. This update gives you the market context, legislative deadlines, and practical actions to navigate the year ahead.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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\ud83d\udcca The Market Context You Need<\/h2>\n

ONS (Nov 2025):<\/span> Average UK rent reaches \u00a31,366 per month<\/p>\n

Annual rent growth slowed to 4.4% as the market rebalanced. Supply increased c.15% year-on-year while tenant demand eased \u2014 creating a more competitive lettings environment. Time to let averaged around 17 days nationally.<\/p>\n

Sources: ONS Price Index of Private Rents; Zoopla Rental Market Report (Dec 2025)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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4.4%<\/p>\n

Annual Rent Increase<\/p>\n

Source: ONS (Nov 2025)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n

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+15%<\/p>\n

Rental Supply Increase<\/p>\n

Source: Zoopla (2025)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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\ud83d\udcb0 Question 1: Should You Raise Rent in 2026?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The short answer: probably, but strategically.<\/p>\n

With rent growth at 4.4% and inflation moderating, modest increases are still justifiable \u2014 but pushing too hard risks longer void periods in a more competitive market. Here’s how to approach it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2713 Good tenants, property well-maintained?<\/p>\n

Consider 3\u20135% increase aligned with market rates. Retention is cheaper than re-letting.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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\u26a0 Below-market rent, strong demand area?<\/p>\n

You may have room for a larger increase, but communicate early and justify with comparable market data.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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\u23f8 Tenant struggling or property needs work?<\/p>\n

Hold steady or delay. A void costs more than frozen rent, and the new legislative environment requires documented justification for increases.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Our recommendation:<\/strong> Review each tenancy individually. We can provide local comparables and help you strike the balance between income optimisation and tenant retention.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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\u23f1\ufe0f Question 2: How Do You Minimise Void Periods in 2026?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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With more supply competing for tenants, speed and presentation matter more than ever.<\/p>\n

Across 824 properties we advertised in 2025, we proved that efficiency beats volume. Here’s what worked:<\/p>\n

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Dec 2025: Time to Let<\/p>\n

18 days<\/p>\n

vs 17 days market avg<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n

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Viewings Per Let<\/p>\n

7<\/p>\n

Down 73% from Jan<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n
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What this means for you:<\/strong> By December 2025, we were achieving faster lets with fewer viewings \u2014 proof that better marketing, accurate pricing, and thorough tenant screening work. Quality tenants move faster when properties are presented well.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Practical steps to reduce your void risk:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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