Landlords return as rental stock lifts in wake of market restrictions easing

May 21, 2020

In the wake of last week’s ease of property market restrictions, the number of rental properties hitting the market surged by as much as +44% in some UK cities as landlords returned and letting agents were able to resume business.

Howsy’s research analysed the number of available rental properties listed across the major portals the day after lockdown restrictions were eased across the UK property market, before comparing this to the number of properties listed in April.

The figures show that across 23 major UK cities, the number of rental properties now available to UK tenants has seen an immediate uplift of 5% on average. This increase has been driven by just seven cities, while the rest have seen further declines in rental stock levels.

The largest increase based on the sheer number of properties has been in London, with an additional 6,838 immediately hitting the portals, an increase of +15%.

In terms of percentage increases, Edinburgh has seen the largest influx with an uplift of +44%.

Cambridge has seen rental stock bolstered by +19%, with Aberdeen (+16%) also registering a double-digit increase.

Glasgow (+6%), Oxford (+5%), and Manchester (+0.2%) have also seen a lift in rental stock levels.

However, other cities are yet to see a knee-jerk market recovery, with Bristol seeing stock levels fall by -22% since April. Bournemouth (-17%) and Plymouth (-17%) have also seen some of the largest declines.

City
Total listings (April 2020)
Total listings (May 2020)
Total listings change
Total listings change (%)
Edinburgh
1,747
2,521
774
44%
Cambridge
679
810
131
19%
Aberdeen
1,084
1,256
173
16%
London
46,621
53,459
6,838
15%
Glasgow
1,591
1,690
100
6%
Oxford
1,385
1,460
76
5%
Manchester
5,149
5,160
11
0.2%
Birmingham
5,216
5,184
-33
-1%
Cardiff
2,642
2,508
-134
-5%
Newcastle
4,020
3,805
-216
-5%
Liverpool
3,393
3,164
-229
-7%
Swansea
1,281
1,188
-93
-7%
Belfast
26
24
-2
-8%
Portsmouth
1,034
943
-92
-9%
Southampton
2,888
2,619
-270
-9%
Nottingham
2,058
1,846
-213
-10%
Sheffield
3,127
2,797
-331
-11%
Leeds
5,794
4,981
-813
-14%
Leicester
2,218
1,906
-312
-14%
Newport
226
193
-34
-15%
Plymouth
1,147
951
-196
-17%
Bournemouth
1,295
1,073
-222
-17%
Bristol
1,887
1,481
-406
-22%
All cities
96503
101013
196
5%
Rental stock figures sourced from Rightmove and Zoopla
Figures compare online rental stock for each city from 1st April 2020 and 13th May 2020

Properganda PR

National and local media coverage for property businesses. Journo quotes delivered in minutes.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agents should not all look the same
Estate Agent Talk

How to Become an Estate Agent with No Experience

Breaking into the property industry can seem intimidating – especially if you’ve never worked in it before. But the good news? You don’t need years of experience or fancy qualifications to start a career as an estate agent in the UK. In fact, many successful estate agents started with no background in property at all.…
Read More →
buying at auction uk
Estate Agent Talk

9 Advantages of Selling Your House by Auction

Selling your house by auction might seem like a daunting prospect, but it comes with numerous advantages that can make it a highly attractive option. While the traditional method of selling through an estate agent has its place, auctions are increasingly becoming a popular choice for homeowners looking for a swift and reliable sale. Here…
Read More →
Breaking News

Majority of Tenants Unsure How Changes Will Affect Them, Says LRG

With major changes to the private rental sector on the horizon, 62% of tenants say they don’t know whether the government’s Renters’ Rights Bill will address their concerns – highlighting a growing need for clearer communication around what the reforms will mean in practice. LRG’s latest Lettings Report shows that while landlords are widely aware…
Read More →
Home and Living

Perfume Storage Tips: How to Keep Your Fragrances Fresh

Perfumes are sensitive compositions that can be significantly affected by how they are stored. Proper storage ensures that your favorite fragrances stay fresh and maintain their intended scent profile. In this article, we’ll explore practical, fun, and effective tips to help you preserve your perfumes in perfect condition. Understanding the Sensitivity of Perfumes Perfumes are…
Read More →
Breaking News

Renters’ Rights Bill Delay Causing Uncertainty for Tenants and Landlords

Ministers need to tell landlords and tenants when measures in the Renters’ Rights Bill will take effect the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is today warning. The Government pledged last year to abolish Section 21 ‘no explanation’ repossessions and to make other changes to the rental market this summer. With the Bill not scheduled to…
Read More →
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 02/04/25

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Made Snappy 360 appoints new CEO and Sales Director to accelerate growth in the property technology space Made Snappy 360, the fast-growing proptech company known for its virtual tours and floor plan technology, has appointed industry veteran Mark Beresford-Ward as its new Chief Executive…
Read More →