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

Breaking News

Rental supply climbs 15% despite landlord uncertainty

The latest research from Dwelly has found that, despite what has been an incredibly uncertain year for landlords – marked by political back and forth over the Renters’ Rights Act, its eventual approval, and the additional 2% tax hit delivered in last week’s Autumn Budget – there are currently 15% more rental homes available to…
Read More
Breaking News

FCA sets out plans to help build mortgage market of the future

First-time buyers and the self-employed could get a step-up onto the housing ladder, under new plans from the FCA. Its priorities for reforms to the mortgage market also include helping homeowners unlock housing wealth for a more comfortable later life. The FCA will focus on 4 areas: First-time buyers & underserved consumers: Simplifying mortgage rules…
Read More
Breaking News

UK housing market modest growth expected in 2026

UK housing market steady in 2025, modest growth expected in 2026 • UK housing market performed broadly in line with expectations over the last year • Limited annual growth of +0.7% lifted the average property price to a new high of £299,892 • Market activity was influenced by stamp duty changes but overall remained close…
Read More
Breaking News

Cladding remediation work stalls – when will we realise that this is a matter of life and death?

The most recent government data shows that the UK is monitoring more high-rise buildings with potential cladding risks than ever before, yet fewer are actually entering remediation. Property Inspect UK is now warning that the widening gap between identification and action reflects a persistent structural issue in how remediation is managed, verified, and delivered. As…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

3 Top-Rated Garages in Northampton

Car maintenance can be stressful if you are unsure which garage to trust to deliver precise and timely service. Choosing a garage that handles repairs carefully ensures your vehicle remains safe and performs reliably on the road. In Northampton, several garages stand out for their consistent service quality and attentive customer care. They provide support…
Read More
Breaking News

Slight easing in affordability pressures helps underpin buyer demand

Housing market activity remained resilient in 2025 House price growth expected to be in the 2% to 4% range in 2026 Looking back at the housing market in 2025 and what we can expect in 2026, Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s Chief Economist, comments: “The word that best describes the housing market in 2025 is ‘resilient’. Even…
Read More