Wallasey and Birkenhead in Merseyside were the most competitive rental markets during July and August, with each available rental property attracting an average of 30 enquiries.

Analysis by Rightmove reveals that across Great Britain, properties attracted an average of 11 enquiries each during the busiest months of the year for the rental market. While this is lower than the 12 enquiries recorded during the same period last year and significantly below the peak of 28 in 2022, it’s still above the pre-pandemic average of eight enquiries per property during the summer months.

Rightmove's analysis ranked 1,000 locations across Great Britain and ranked them by the number of enquiries each available rental listing received. Carlisle ranked third, with an average of 29 enquiries per available property, while Glasgow and East Kilbride completed the top five.

Scotland

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. The North West followed with an average of 16 enquiries per property.

While average advertised rents remain at record levels nationally, (current national average rent £1,580 per calendar month), the pace of rent growth has continued to slow, as competition has eased.

Propertymark

Propertymark’s latest Housing Insight report also points to demand continuing to outstrip supply, with the average number of applicants per member branch sitting at nine people per property available in July. The number of new prospective buyers registered per member branch climbed to an average of 75.

“In lettings, the fundamental imbalance between supply and demand remains stark, with nine applicants for every available property,” says CEO Nathan Emerson. “While rental growth appears to be moderating, the continued pressure on available stock means affordability remains a significant issue for renters. The increase in rental arrears also reinforces the need for policymakers to consider the wider financial pressures facing households.”

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