"These numbers highlight just how busy the market is right now. For renters, it's a sign to act quickly and be prepared when searching, many listings are seeing multiple enquiries within hours."
- Kim Faura - Gumtree
New data from Gumtree highlights the intense level of competition renters are facing across the UK, with more than 128,000 rental enquiries made in a single week. The figures reflect growing pressure on the private rental market, particularly in cities and commuter areas, where rising mortgage rates and limited housing stock are pushing more people into renting.
For the week ending 31 July, Gumtree recorded over 128,000 enquiries made to live property ads across the UK. Properties in the ‘Property to Rent’ category received the most attention, accounting for more than 91,000 of all messages sent.
The average listing that received enquiries saw more than five separate messages from prospective tenants, while the platform hosted approximately 41,000 live listings each day throughout the week. In total, 8,262 new listings were added during the same period.
“These numbers highlight just how busy the market is right now. For renters, it's a sign to act quickly and be prepared when searching, many listings are seeing multiple enquiries within hours. It’s important to set up instant alerts to catch listings early and ensure you have all your documents ready to go,” said Kim Faura, consumer expert at Gumtree.
The data reflects broader trends in the UK’s rental landscape, where demand continues to outpace supply. With many prospective buyers priced out of the property market, rental demand has remained high in urban centres such as London, Manchester, and Bristol. Rising interest rates have added further pressure, as landlords pass on higher mortgage costs through increased rents.
Although the number of new listings has been increasing gradually, it has not kept pace with the volume of enquiries, creating a competitive environment for tenants. Properties often attract interest within hours of going live, and many are let quickly to applicants who respond first.
Gumtree has also reported sustained activity from landlords and agents. The number of professional agents using the platform has grown by 10% year-on-year, reaching its highest level since early 2023. Lead volumes from the platform peaked in July, rising 16% above any previous month in 2025.
This consistent activity from agents suggests that the platform remains a key channel for property marketing, particularly during high-demand periods. For both agents and private landlords, the data signals continued opportunity, but also the need to act quickly in a market where listings don’t stay available for long.
