London has long been synonymous with fierce competition in the rental market, but a new study reveals that Bradford, a city in West Yorkshire, now holds the unenviable title of having the least accessible rental market in England.
According to fresh data from Tlyfe, Bradford’s rental availability is shockingly low, with just 1.2% of its private rental stock currently on offer—far below even London’s famously competitive levels.
In a city with approximately 42,700 private rental dwellings, only 500 properties are available for new tenants. The scarcity highlights just how tight the market has become for renters in Bradford, leaving many scrambling to find suitable housing.
“As our research shows, the rental market is particularly competitive in Bradford, Manchester, and London, meaning aspiring tenants in the cities face a far tougher time than most when it comes to securing a rental property,” explains Adam Pigott, CEO of OpenBrix.
London and Manchester is still competitive, but have more options
While London and Manchester also rank among the most competitive rental markets, their larger populations provide tenants with more options. In Greater Manchester, 2.4% of the rental stock is available, equating to 5,800 properties. London’s figure stands at 2.9%, offering around 34,000 rental homes.
However, even these figures underscore a broader issue: rental properties in these cities are snapped up almost as quickly as they are listed, leaving prospective tenants in a frantic race to secure a lease.
“Finding a value-for-money rental property can feel like a rat race, as you compete with other eager tenants for what is essentially a limited level of rental stock,” Pigott adds.
Nottingham, Leeds, and Newcastle has more supply of rental properties
Not all cities are as constrained. Nottingham boasts a far more accessible market, with 13.8% of rental homes currently available—giving tenants the upper hand and pushing landlords to improve property standards to attract reliable occupants.
Leeds and Newcastle also present more balanced markets, with 9.3% and 6.3% of rental properties available, respectively. Cities like Sheffield, Brighton, and Bristol follow closely, with availability hovering around the 5–6% mark.
Advice for tenants looking for property
In light of the findings, experts stress the importance of preparation for renters in tight markets like Bradford, Manchester, and London.
“This emphasis on speed makes it imperative that tenants take steps to make themselves attractive to landlords ahead of time,” says Pigott. He advises securing references, completing credit checks, and providing proof of income as essential steps.
To support renters in this process, Pigott points to Tlyfe’s platform, which helps prospective tenants become “rent ready” before applying, potentially giving them a competitive edge.
The findings from Tlyfe not only highlight regional disparities in rental accessibility but also reflect deeper systemic issues within the UK’s housing market. As cities like Bradford grapple with unprecedented rental scarcity, the pressure on tenants—and the market as a whole—shows no signs of easing anytime soon.