Countrywide reveals London still the accidental Landlord capital of the country

Latest Countrywide PLC Monthly Lettings Index report – Novemver 2017 headlines ‘Accidental landlords add 80,000 rented homes to the market’.

In the report it states: The annual rate of rental growth picked up in November, with the cost of a new let across Great Britain rising 1.2% over the last 12 months or 1.6% outside London.

The report reveals a slower sales market in the South of England has revived the accidental landlord as more people choose to rent their properties out instead of waiting for a sale, 1 out of 12 homes that came onto the rental market in 2017 was previously for sale. London is still the accidental landlord capital of the country.

Commenting Johnny Morris, Research Director at Countrywide, said:

“While most landlords are in the business by choice, the last three years have seen an increase in the numbers letting out a property they had previously tried to sell.  With mortgage rates remaining low, these discretional sellers can afford to let their home, while they wait and see what the future holds for the sales market.

“Rental growth in London is once again positive.  Every region of Great Britain now has average rents higher than a year ago.  And it likely that relatively low numbers of rental homes coming onto the market will keep rental growth firmly in positive territory.  But growth remains well below the long run average, with November 2017 marking the second year anniversary of the date when rents last rose by more than 3%.”

Read Latest Countrywide PLC Monthly Lettings Index report – Novemver 2017 published 12th December 2017 in full click here.

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Home and Living

How homeowners can fight back against rising energy bills

New research from Yopa warns that millions of homeowners are set to be hit with a 14% jump in energy bills this summer, wiping out recent savings and piling fresh pressure on household finances. In response, Yopa has analysed which home improvements are most effective at reducing energy use, looking at both the typical savings delivered…
Read More
Breaking News

Homes selling as fast as last year

First time buyers in outer London hit hardest as higher borrowing costs and  high stamp duty costs weigh on sales times   The average time to sell a home is just 1 day longer than last year at 33 days, despite higher mortgage rates and 2 months of conflict in the Middle East However, areas…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

How to Pick the Ideal Utilities for your Business

Sorting out utilities might not be the most exciting part of running a business, but it is one of those things that quietly affects everything else. Whether it is your electricity, gas, water or internet, these services keep your business moving day to day. Getting them right can help you stay in control of costs…
Read More
Letting Agent Talk

Advice for London landlords and tenants ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act implementation

Phase one of the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) comes into force on 1 May 2026, and with it brings about the most significant overhaul of the private rental sector in a generation. While the Act will see new responsibilities introduced, it will also offer an opportunity for landlords to strengthen their practices with a clear…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Budget-friendly ways to boost your chances of a successful spring house sale

With many households feeling the pressure of changing global economic conditions, tighter finances, and the high costs associated with moving, such as Stamp Duty, legal fees and removals, selling a home can currently feel like challenge. At the same time, spring traditionally brings a surge in buyer activity. Longer days and better weather tend to encourage more viewings,…
Read More
Letting Agent Talk

Expert Reacts To Renters’ Rights Act Ahead of Changes This Week

The Renters’ Rights Act comes into force this week (1st May), introducing major reforms to tenancy structures, eviction rules, and tenant protections across England. The changes will reshape how landlords manage properties and how tenants experience private renting, with significant implications for student private rentals and the wider rental market. Ahead of implementation, Owen Dixon,…
Read More