Landlords push asking rents higher as tenant demand surges
3 weeks ago | 9 comments
Garden shortage gives landlords an edge
12:01 AM, 2nd September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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Landlords offering a home to rent with a well-kept garden could have an advantage when attracting tenants, as outdoor space is absent from almost two-thirds of advertised rentals in major UK cities.
Research by CIA Landlords found that only 36.2% of the 72,930 homes examined included a garden.
Leeds recorded the lowest proportion at 25.7%, leaving 74.3% of available properties without one.
Liverpool followed on 28.2%, while Nottingham reached 29.3%.
Outdoor space opportunity
Nick Long, the firm’s managing director, said: “Our research shows that finding a rental property with outdoor space remains a challenge in many of the UK’s largest cities, despite it being an important consideration for almost three-quarters of renters.
“For landlords, this presents an opportunity.”
He added: “In areas where outdoor space is in short supply, a well-maintained garden can make a property more attractive to prospective tenants.
“However, landlords must also be clear about who is responsible for garden maintenance and make sure their insurance reflects the condition and features of the property.”
Garden access varies
Newcastle ranked fourth among the cities with the lowest availability, with gardens included in 30% of listings.
Sheffield completed the bottom five at 32.4%.
Edinburgh offered the greatest availability, with 55.5% of advertised homes providing garden space, followed by Coventry at 50% and Glasgow at 49.7%.
Bristol recorded 47.5%, Brighton and Hove reached 46.4%, while earlier research found 74% of tenants considered outdoor space important.
Tags:
Edinburgh rent market, garden maintenance, homes to rent with gardens, Leeds rent market, tenant demand, UK Landlords
7 comments on this article
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Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 1734 - Articles: 3
1:47 PM, 2nd September 2026, About 2 weeks ago
I don’t think landlords need to attract tenants. I would say 90% of tenants are happy to have an affordable and well maintained roof over their heads. A garden is a bonus.
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 698 - Articles: 1
9:29 PM, 2nd September 2026, About 2 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by NewYorkie at 02/09/2026 – 13:47
despite all the media hype, thats not our London experience. low quality unsuitable applicants and for more expensive properties hardly any demand.
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 1734 - Articles: 3
12:00 AM, 3rd September 2026, About 2 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Joe Bloggs at 02/09/2026 – 21:29
I can’t argue with low quality and unsuitable applicants. It’s the same everywhere and landlords need to find a way to weed them out within the constraints of the RRA. But if the demand for more expensive rentals in London was there before, where have those applicants gone?
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 698 - Articles: 1
12:35 AM, 3rd September 2026, About 2 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by NewYorkie at 03/09/2026 – 00:00
we tend to have new graduates coming to London to start their professional careers – but they’re not getting decent jobs so cant afford.
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 1734 - Articles: 3
11:54 AM, 3rd September 2026, About 2 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Joe Bloggs at 03/09/2026 – 00:35
Unfortunately, the traditional jobs market for new graduates has collapsed. They may want to go to London, but the days of numerous well-paid jobs have gone, while rents are increasing due to costs and RRA risks. It’s why we have 1m NEETS living at home on benefits.
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 698 - Articles: 1
1:47 PM, 3rd September 2026, About 2 weeks ago
several of our tenants who had decent jobs are now on benefits. I never wanted to be a benefits landlord. and despite increasing costs we have reduced rents on some voids, but still no good. recall labours election lie GROWTH, GROWTH, GROWTH – haha.
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 1734 - Articles: 3
2:12 PM, 3rd September 2026, About 2 weeks ago
Reply to the comment left by Joe Bloggs at 03/09/2026 – 13:47
They didn’t lie… Growth in taxes, growth in business collapse, growth in unemployment, growth in energy costs, growth in illegal migrants, growth in the welfare bill, growth in Labour freebies and tax evasion, growth in potholes, growth in council tax, growth in… I’m sure I’ve missed plenty.