THE DEMAND for rental housing in the South East in continuing to rise.

According to a survey of landlord, almost three quarters (74 per cent) of private landlords in the South East of England say demand for homes to rent had increased in the third quarter of the year.

This compares to a national average of 57 per cent.

The new research by the National Residential Landlords Association found that the South East’s figure was the second highest across England and Wales.

South East regional representative for the National Residential Landlords Association Marion Money said: “As demand in the South East picks up following lockdown measures, we need a stimulus to support responsible landlords to provide the homes for long term rent the region desperately needs.

“Without this it will ultimately be tenants that suffer as a result of less choice, higher rents and the resulting difficulties they will encounter when looking to become homeowners”.

At the onset of the first Covid-19 lockdown in the second quarter of 2020, just 23 per cent of landlords operating in the South East reported tenant demand having increased.

The rise to 74 per cent in the third quarter of 2021 is a rise from 60 per cent in the second quarter.

Brighton-based property expert Ted McKechnie said while national statistics show a 6.1 per cent average increase in rental prices, Clarity Property Management has seen recent price rises upwards of 10 per cent.

“Brighton is currently in such high demand and many people are moving down from London,” he said.

“Properties with gardens have risen more than others post Covid, as people have been locked up inside and are looking for that outdoor space.”

The data release comes as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has warned of rents increasing as a result of the “mismatch between supply and demand.”

The survey of private landlords across England and Wales was conducted in partnership with the research consultancy BVA/BDRC.