Renters face strongest competition in Scotland and the North West

The North West accounted for six of the most competitive locations for rental properties this summer while by region Scotland led overall, according to new analysis from Rightmove.

It found that Wallasey and Birkenhead in Merseyside were Britain’s joint most competitive rental markets during July and August, each attracting an average of 30 enquiries for every available rental property.

That was followed by Carlisle, with 29 enquiries per available property and then Glasgow and East Kilbride. Three of the six most competitive rental hotspots are on the Wirral.

The figures compare to an average of 11 enquiries per available rental property during July and August across the whole of Great Britain. That number is down from 12 for the same period last year and below a peak of 28 during the same period in 2022, but still above the pre-pandemic average of eight.

Rightmove said average advertised rents remain at record levels nationally (£1,580 per calendar month), but the pace of rent growth has continued to slow.

Scotland most competitive by region

By region, Scotland recorded the highest average level of rental competition across Great Britain, with properties receiving an average of 19 enquiries each during July and August, followed by the North West with an average of 16. London, the South East and East Midlands each received 9.

Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert, said: “July and August are typically the busiest months of the year for the rental market, and our analysis shows that competition remains particularly strong in some parts of Great Britain. While rental supply has rebalanced compared with previous years, there are still locations where each available home attracts high numbers of enquiries from prospective tenants.

“For renters, the findings are a reminder that competition can still be strong in many areas, despite the improvement in supply in recent years.”

Britain’s busiest summer rental hotspots