The lettings market is showing early signs of seasonal recovery, with activity picking up after the winter slowdown, according to Foxtons.

While renter demand remains below last year’s levels, momentum is improving as spring approaches, supported by a continued increase in available supply across London, the agency said.

February data provided by Foxtons points to a market stabilising rather than accelerating. Applicant registrations remain lower year on year, but have risen from winter lows, while renter budgets are broadly unchanged, indicating that affordability pressures have not materially worsened.

At the same time, supply continues to build, easing competition. New listings are up on last year, and the number of renters per instruction has fallen, giving tenants more choice and signalling a more balanced market as activity returns.

Sarah Tonkinson, MD institutional PRS and Build to Rent, said: “If you track London’s Build to Rent performance as closely as we do, you can feel the momentum building through early 2026. The capital is steadily absorbing new stock, supported by especially resilient rental demand. The patterns across its submarkets are getting sharper by the week. Schemes breaking ahead now are the ones tuned precisely to the pressures and opportunities in their local catchments.

“For assets approaching launch, your priority should be your positioning within London’s shifting rental landscape and backing your strategy with serious data. The buildings performing best this quarter are proving that when the groundwork is right, take up follows with real confidence across London.”

Foxtons year-to-date key market indicators