Lack of properties increases time and challenges for renters

Nearly a quarter (23%) of renters moved home in the last year nearly two-thirds (63%) of whom say they ended up paying more rent than they had intended.

A similar amount (62%) say they faced greater competition, while six in ten (60%) found it difficult to secure a suitable property and more than half (55%) took longer than expected to find their next property, according to research from Aldermore’s 2026 Buy to Let market report.

A lack of affordable rental properties caused two out of five (41%) to move to a different area and more than a third (36%) to move further from work, family or support networks.

However, Aldermore says existing renters are staying longer, with the average tenancy length edging up to 4.5 years.

A highly competitive market

Jon Cooper, director of mortgages at Aldermore, said: “Our latest Buy to Let Index shows that while many renters are staying in their homes for longer, those looking to move are still facing a highly competitive market. Many are finding they need to pay more than they originally expected, and in some cases expand their search to previously unthought-of areas just to secure a suitable home.

“At the same time, the operating environment for landlords has become more complex, which threatens to place pressure on the number of available rental properties. Increased regulation and wider economic pressures mean many landlords are having to adapt how they manage their properties and finances.

“To avoid exacerbating the current challenge facing renters, the focus must be on maintaining sufficient supply in the private rental sector, to support affordability and give renters greater choice and mobility.”