"Measures in the Renters’ Rights Bill to help tenants challenge unreasonable rent increases will count for nothing unless they are equipped with the information about rents and provided with the detailed information that they need to exercise these rights effectively"
- Steve Harriott - TDS Group
Pressures in the private rental sector are showing early signs of easing as new data points to a rise in landlord purchases and a modest slowdown in rent increases.
A survey of more than 2,000 private landlords in England commissioned by the TDS Charitable Foundation found that 23% had increased the number of properties they rent out over the past year, up from 19% a year ago. The number of landlords who said they had sold property remained flat at 14%, compared to 13% last year.
Those expanding their portfolios bought an average of 2.5 homes in the past 12 months, up from 2.2 the year before. That figure is also above the average of 2.3 properties sold by those exiting or downsizing their holdings.
The increased investment has helped to ease some of the pressure on tenants. While 56% of landlords said they had raised rents over the past year, that is down from 61% who did so the year before.
This trend is reflected in tenant survey results published by the same foundation. The proportion of renters who said they were struggling to afford their rent has fallen to 32%, from 35% last year. Among full-time students, the improvement has been more pronounced, with 32% now saying they are struggling compared to 45% a year ago.
National statistics also point to a broader moderation in rent growth. According to the Office for National Statistics, average rents across the UK rose by 6.7% in the year to June 2025, down from a peak of 9.1% in the year to March 2024.
“Whilst cost pressures in the sector might be easing, many tenants are continuing to struggle to afford their rents,” said Steve Harriott, chief executive at TDS Group and a trustee at the Charitable Foundation. “Measures in the Renters’ Rights Bill to help tenants challenge unreasonable rent increases will count for nothing unless they are equipped with the information about rents and provided with the detailed information that they need to exercise these rights effectively.
“Alongside this, it’s clear that many low-income tenants are continuing to struggle to cover their rents due to the ongoing freeze on housing benefit rates.”
