Propertymark chief executive Nathan Emerson has made an impassioned plea for government help for the private rental sector.

In commentary accompanying the latest Propertymark Lettings snapshot, Emerson says: “Tightened purse strings are being seen across the whole of the private rented sector. 

“The recurring picture of demand far outstripping supply levels is not drastically worsening; however, levels are not improving and will continue to play a huge role in the continuous unaffordable landscape of the sector. 

“We really need to see the UK Government provide a clear and supported pathway for the private rented sector to flourish to support current and future landlords.”

The comments follow an analysis of data from the September lettings market – the latest available information from the trade body. 

For yet another month demand in the rental sector far exceeds the supply of lettings properties. Registrations stayed broadly the same at 113 in September 2024 when compared to 112 in August 2024.

Overall stock levels and the average number of properties available for rent at each member branch dipped slightly in September 2024 to 11 – indicating there are about 10 would-be tenants chasing each available rental home.