Date Published 13 March 2026
A growing number of landlords leaving the private rented sector is continuing to squeeze rental supply — and agents now expect rents to rise again before summer. The latest market snapshot from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) shows that while tenant demand has remained broadly stable over the winter, the number of rental properties coming to market is still unusually low. With fewer landlords adding properties to the market, 20% of agents surveyed expect rents to increase within the next three months. Many agents say the key driver behind rising rents is the continuing exodus of landlords, particularly as new regulations approach:
John Chappell of Skegness-based Chappell & Co says the trend is clear: 'As the Great British sell-off by landlords continues, tenant demand is still increasing, as are rents.' He also notes that more tenants are struggling to pass affordability checks, which could lead to greater use of rent guarantee insurance by landlords.
Several agents say the upcoming Renters' Rights Act is accelerating landlord decisions to sell. Jeremy Leaf of Jeremy Leaf & Co in north London says: 'Many landlords are choosing to sell when tenancies end or come up for renewal. This has resulted in less choice for tenants, which is keeping rents higher than might otherwise be expected.'
Richard Franklin of Franklin Gallimore adds that increasing regulation is discouraging long-term investment in the sector: 'Many landlords are leaving the buy-to-let sector and rents are rising given the shrinking supply. Over-regulation is a deterrent to all landlords, not just the ‘bad apples'.'
In parts of London, landlords are also reconsidering the financial case for remaining in the market. William Delaney of Coopers of London says: 'Landlords are continuing to leave the rental sector and selling up when tenancies end. The Renters' Rights Act and limited capital appreciation in recent years provide little incentive to retain rental investments in some areas.'
Kevin Henry of Bridgeman Surveyors summed it up simply: 'Recent government policies are expected to contribute to increased rents in the marketplace.'
The RICS report also shows that activity in the housing sales market has slowed slightly. New buyer enquiries fell again in February, dropping to -26%, while agreed sales remained subdued at -12%. Surveyors cite concerns over inflation, interest rates and global instability as factors weighing on buyer confidence.
Despite the short-term slowdown in the sales market, RICS says the longer-term outlook remains more resilient, with 17% of surveyors expecting sales activity to increase over the next 12 months. But in the rental market, the message is clear: Until landlord supply improves, upward pressure on rents is likely to continue.
At Adams Estates, we're continuously monitoring market trends and rental activity to ensure our clients stay ahead of the curve. By keeping a close eye on supply, demand, and legislation, we make sure our landlords are always positioned to achieve the best possible returns on their investments.
