Zoopla said this was “clear evidence” of the rental market becoming more balanced after a peak in competition seen in 2022 and 2023, with improved mortgage conditions having helped more renters to buy their first home. Its rental market index is based on asking rents and adjusted to reflect achieved rents. Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, said: “Market conditions for renters are the best they have been for six years. “The rental market is moving back towards balance as demand cools and more homes become available to rent. “But while deep-seated housing challenges remain, lighter regulation in the mortgage market and tighter oversight of the private rented sector are gradually beginning to shift that narrative.

Source: The Times March 11, 2026 12:09 UTC