The demand for rental properties in Britain continues to surge, with an average of 25 tenants requesting viewings for each property, according to data from property portal Rightmove.

This figure marks a significant increase from the average of 20 seen just five months earlier. In 2019, there were typically only six requests to view each property. The rental market has experienced a significant mismatch between supply and demand, causing frustration for prospective tenants.

Outside of London, the average advertised rent for new lets has reached a record £1,278 per month, representing a 10% increase compared to the same period last year (July to September). In London, average advertised rents for new lets are now £2,627 per month, marking a 12.1% year-on-year increase.

Ria Laitmer, lettings manager at Clarkes agents in Bournemouth, highlighted the growing gap between demand and rental stock, saying that the situation is "just crazy." She described how there are mounting inquiries for each rental property, with queues forming at open-house viewings. However, the limited availability of properties on the market often leaves many prospective tenants disappointed.

The surge in demand for rental properties can be attributed to various factors, including students returning after the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges associated with high mortgage rates, making homeownership less accessible. Additionally, regulatory changes and higher costs for landlords have led some to sell their properties, exacerbating the supply shortage.

While there are signs of the number of available rental homes increasing, Rightmove notes that it will take considerable time to address the existing supply-demand imbalance. In May, the UK government announced plans to ban no-fault evictions in England, aiming to provide a "fairer deal for renters." However, progress on this front has been slow, despite government commitments.

Housing Minister Rachel Maclean reiterated the government's commitment to the proposed law change and expressed the hope that it would make progress in Parliament soon. She emphasized that tenants come from diverse backgrounds and that the government seeks to protect their rights and ensure a fairer rental market.