Uncover our latest Private Rented Sector Reports

The private rented sector is an important part of the UK's housing market. Our reports give a snapshot of the private rented sector, addressing the latest trends and issues faced by landlords and tenants. 

 

What adds value to buy to let properties?

Drawing on new research and market analysis, our latest report highlights the financial impact of extensions, additional bedrooms and bathrooms, and energy efficiency upgrades. It also uncovers the surprising regrets many landlords have post-renovation. The findings offer insights to help landlords make informed decisions that balance cost, compliance, and rental yield.

  • Kitchen and bathroom renovations are most popular amongst buy to let investors who have made improvements in the last five years.
  • 18% of landlords made green improvements, such as adding solar panels or insulation.
  • But over 50% surveyed regretted renovating their rental properties.
  • Our analysis suggests adding an extra bathroom can boost buy to let property value by 8%.
  • Increasing floor area to incorporate an extra bedroom can add 12% to typical rental income (around £125 per month). While a second bathroom attracts a 6% rental premium (around £60 per month).

Download the Autumn 2025 report

The potential impacts of Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards

The data in this report was derived from a survey of 1,000 landlords and offers a deeper understanding of the challenges landlords face in tackling the energy efficiency of their properties. This report concludes with recommendations to Government, which will ensure the private rented sector continues to play its vital role in providing flexible housing to support economic growth.

  • 62% of landlords don't know that having an Energy Performance Certificate for their property is a legal requirement
  • Over 30% believe the minimum energy rating required is A or B - higher than the required rating of C
  • Landlords value help in identifying cost-effective home improvements and finding grants and financing
  • 28% of landlords with EPC-D rated property plan to sell
  • 73% are unsure of how much money is needed to improve their property; 41% plan to raise rents
  • The Mortgage Works calls on three areas to be addressed to ensure successful implementation of government's plans

Download the Summer 2025 report

Decarbonising the UK's housing stock

Our industry expert looks at whether buy to let investors attach a price premium or discount when buying a property because of its energy efficiency rating. We review how this has changed over time, and how it compares with the value that homeowners attach to energy efficiency ratings. Our report also estimates how much energy efficiency impacts rental value in the private rental sector.

Here are just some of the statistics you can learn from our report:

  • 48% of the housing stock is now rated C or higher, up from 18% in 2012
  • Rental income can be improved by up to 7% on a typical English property, equating to a rental premium of around £70 per month
  • London landlords could see a rental premium of up to 12%, while house prices could be boosted by up to 11.4%
  • North of England attracts the biggest house price premium of up to 15%

Download the Autumn 2024 report

A fairer private rented market for all

Our industry experts identified emerging trends and critical areas that address the need for change and creating a stronger, fairer private rental sector for everyone.

Some of the key statistics from our report include:

  • A significant shift in the number of people renting aged between 55-64, with an 80% surge in private rentals over the past decade for this age group. This is in contrast to the continuous drop in homeownership rates amongst 55-64 year olds, which is now around 10% lower than its 2007 peak.
  • London led the rise in private renting across England. Due to high house prices (and more recently, higher mortgage costs), nearly one in three (30%) households are renting privately in London, nearly double the rest of England.
  • Rapid growth in professional landlords. The number of landlords owning five or more properties have more than tripled from 5% in 2010 to 18% in 2021.
  • Interest rate impact. Around 350,000 buy to let fixed-rate mortgages are set to mature in the next year, meaning those re-mortgaging could face potential payment shocks of around £225 per month.

Download the Summer 2024 report