Your trusted update from Plymouth’s local property experts 🏡
Plymouth’s rental market is moving into a more measured and sustainable phase after several years of rapid rent growth. While tenant demand remains healthy, conditions are becoming more balanced, with greater choice for renters and a stronger focus on value, presentation and realistic pricing as 2026 gets underway ❄️➡️🌱
🔹 A shift towards balance – Plymouth is transitioning away from rapid rent inflation and towards a steadier market that favours long-term landlords, with stability now replacing short-term rental surges
🔹 Rental growth moderating – Nationally, rents rose by 2.2% over the past year, the slowest pace in four years. Regionally, South West rental growth has eased to around 3%, well below post-pandemic highs, reflecting a narrowing gap between supply and demand
🔹 More choice for tenants – The number of homes available to rent is up 15% year on year, while rental demand has fallen by around 20%, now at its lowest level for this time of year in six years. As a result, the average time to let has increased to 17 days, highlighting a more competitive lettings environment
🔹 Quality and pricing matter more than ever – Tenants are becoming increasingly selective around condition, energy efficiency and overall value for money. Well-presented, realistically priced homes continue to let well, while properties pushing rents too far are seeing longer void periods
🔹 Affordability supporting demand – Plymouth continues to benefit from relative affordability compared with many southern markets, underpinning demand from local workers, families and students, even as some renters transition into home ownership
🔹 A steady outlook for 2026 – Zoopla forecasts rents for new lets to rise by around 2.5% this year, pointing to dependable, incremental growth rather than sharp volatility. For landlords, sensible pricing, proactive maintenance and tenant retention are increasingly key to protecting returns
📊 Whether you’re a landlord, tenant or investor, staying informed is essential. Our latest insights are designed to help you plan confidently in a maturing rental market.
📖 View the full lettings report here 👇
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