What the Latest Rightmove Data Means for South East London Landlords
The latest Rightmove Rental Trends Tracker (Q1 2026), released on Thursday 16th April, shows a rental market that is beginning to stabilise after several years of rapid growth
📊 Rental Market Update – Q1 2026
What the Latest Rightmove Data Means for South East London Landlords
The latest Rightmove Rental Trends Tracker (Q1 2026), released on Thursday 16th April, shows a rental market that is beginning to stabilise after several years of rapid growth — with clear signs of a more balanced environment between landlords and tenants.
At Beaumont Gibbs, we’ve reviewed the data closely and focused on what it means locally here in South East London and SE18 in particular.
📉 Rents Level Off Nationally – But London Still Edging Up
One of the most notable headlines is that average advertised rents outside London have remained flat at £1,370 pcm — the first time since 2017 that there has been no quarterly increase between Q4 and Q1.
However, London tells a slightly different story:
- 📈 London rents rose +0.7% this quarter to £2,736 pcm
- 📈 Inner London: £3,229 (+1.0%)
- 📈 Outer London: £2,375 (+0.4%)
While growth has slowed, London rental values are still creeping upward, just at a more measured pace.
👉 For South East London landlords, this reflects what we are seeing on the ground — strong underlying demand, but tenants are becoming more price-sensitive and selective.
⚖️ A More Balanced Rental Market Emerging
The report highlights a clear shift in market dynamics:
- 🏠 Total rental supply is now 3% higher than last year
- 📉 Average enquiries per property have fallen from 11 to 8
- 📊 26% of listings are now reduced in price (highest since records began in 2012)
- 📅 Demand remains strong, but less frantic than the 2022 peak
This is important.
The market is no longer in the extreme “supply crisis” we saw previously. Instead, we are moving into a more balanced rental environment, where:
- Correct pricing matters more than ever
- Presentation is critical
- Properties may take slightly longer to let if overpriced
For landlords in SE18, Woolwich, Plumstead and surrounding areas, this means realistic pricing from day one is now essential to avoid void periods.
🏡 What This Means Locally in SE London
Despite national cooling trends, South East London continues to perform strongly compared to many UK regions.
Key takeaways for our local market:
✔️ Demand is still strong
Well-presented homes in SE18 continue to attract multiple enquiries, particularly near:
- Woolwich Arsenal (Elizabeth Line)
- Plumstead Common
- Riverside developments
- Well-connected Victorian terraces and conversions
✔️ Tenants have more choice
With supply increasing, tenants are taking slightly longer to commit and are more selective on:
- Condition
- Pricing
- Energy efficiency
- Transport links
✔️ Speed matters more than ever
The difference between a quick let and a prolonged void period is now often:
👉 pricing accuracy + presentation from day one
💷 Mortgage Costs and Landlord Sentiment
The report also highlights rising financial pressure:
- Average 2-year BTL mortgage rate now 5.79% (up from 4.86%)
- Increased borrowing costs may influence future investment decisions
- Landlords are taking a more long-term, cautious approach
In our experience across SE London, this is translating into landlords focusing on:
- Tenant quality over maximum rent
- Longer tenancies
- Reduced turnover and voids
💬 Our View at Beaumont Gibbs
The key message from this quarter’s data is balance returning to the rental market.
For South East London specifically, we are seeing:
- Strong but more considered tenant demand
- Faster lets when properties are correctly priced
- More emphasis on presentation and marketing quality
- A return to “normalised” rather than overheated conditions
As the market adjusts ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act coming into effect in May, there is no dramatic shift — but rather a gradual move toward a more stable and sustainable rental environment.
📌 Final Thought for Landlords
The opportunity is still very much there — but strategy matters more than ever.
In today’s market:
✔ Right price = quick let
❌ Overpricing = longer voids + eventual reductions
At Beaumont Gibbs, we continue to combine local expertise with real-time market data to ensure landlords in SE18 and across South East London achieve the best possible results.
📞 If you’d like a rental valuation or advice on positioning your property in today’s market, contact Beaumont Gibbs Lettings.