Why the UK Rental Market in 2026 Still Makes Sense for Landlords

In a year that has seen significant shifts in the UK property landscape, the rental market remains fundamentally resilient – and there are strong reasons for landlords to stay informed and proactive. At Jeremy Swan, we’re here to guide you through the latest trends and opportunities so you can maximise the return on your investment.

In this blog, we’ll explore why landlords should take a close look at current conditions – and why now is a good time to request a professional rental valuation.

UK Rental Market Trends – Stability Amid Change

Official data shows that private rents across the UK continued to rise into mid-2025, with average rents increasing by 6.7% year-on-year – even though the pace of rental inflation has slowly eased compared with previous years.

This trend reflects a market that is stabilising: rents are increasing, but not at the unsustainably high rates seen in recent years – which means landlords can benefit from ongoing demand without excessive volatility.

At the same time, broader market reports suggest that rental growth is expected to continue over the coming years, with forecasts pointing to further total rent increases of around 12% over the next five years.

Demand Remains Robust

The lettings supply is beginning to grow as market conditions balance out and demand remains robust. What does this mean for landlords?

• A continued pool of tenants actively looking for quality rental homes
• Rental properties being let in a reasonable timeframe – often within just a few weeks
• Stable demand combined with increased supply can lead to consistent rental yields

Changes Ahead for Landlords and Tenants

Recent government policy shifts – including changes to leasehold ground rents – are part of broader reforms such as the Renter’s Rights Act to improve the fairness of the housing market. The new cap on ground rents in England and Wales aims to reduce costs for leaseholders and could encourage greater market transparency and fairness in the longer term.

Meanwhile, discussions around taxation of rental income continue to be a focus in Westminster as policymakers look to balance incentives for landlords with housing affordability for tenants.

What’s clear is that informed landlords who stay ahead of market and policy trends are better placed to make strategic decisions – whether you’re considering rent reviews, refinancing, or portfolio expansion.

What This Means for Local Landlords in and Around Great Missenden

While national statistics give a useful backdrop, local markets can operate differently – and that’s where local expertise matters. Here in Great Missenden and the surrounding area, rental demand continues to be supported by:

• Strong commuter links to London and the wider South East
• Attractive lifestyle amenities that appeal to families, professionals and downsizers
• Limited new rental stock compared with cities and bigger towns which supports sustained demand

These local dynamics make it vital for landlords to:

• Understand realistic rental values for their properties
• Know how long a property is likely to take to let
• Be aware of tenant expectations on condition, amenities and neighbourhood features

Why a Professional Rental Appraisal is Essential

A rental appraisal is more than just an estimate of rent – it’s a professional analysis that considers:

• Current local rental values
• Comparable properties recently let
• Condition and potential improvements
• Tenant demand trends specific to your area

With market stability and gradual rental growth, now is an excellent time to get an up-to-date appraisal. Whether you’re thinking about letting a property for the first time, reviewing your current rent levels, or considering future investment – we’re on hand to give clarity and confidence is what is achievable for you. We’re also Renter’s Rights Act Ready making us ideally positioned to aid you as the new laws surrounding letting a property come into play.

Thinking of letting your property or reviewing your rental income? Book a rental appraisal with us today. We provide trusted, local expertise that helps you to get the most from your investment with confidence.