A new study suggests that rental properties now account for 40 per cent of the available housing stock. 

Looking at the final quarter of 2018 the consultancy TwentyCi says nearly 60 per cent of all London listings on portals and advertising platforms were for rental properties, compared with 40 per cent on average in all other major UK cities.

Birmingham 40% rental and 60% sale;

Sheffield 43% / 57%;

Glasgow 24% / 76%;

Newcastle 50% / 50%;

Manchester 50% / 50%;

Nottingham 42% / 58%;

Cardiff 40% / 60%;

Edinburgh: 23% / 77%;

Leicester 40% / 60%;

Bristol 37% / 63%.

In relation to London, TwentyCi says: “This is an ongoing trend in the capital, with affordability inhibiting the purchase market. The increase in the number of flats being built in [London’s] EC and NW postcodes has led some property analysts to speculate that supply is outstripping demand both in the purchase and rental sectors” it warns.

You can see the full report here.