In December, there was a 24% month-on-month decrease in applicant demand, aligning with the usual seasonal decline in the lettings market. Overall, demand in 2023 was 12% lower than in 2022, with a noticeable drop starting in July, reflecting more normalised market activity.

The year-on-year decrease of 22% in new renters per new instruction indicates a shift towards a more balanced lettings market, characterised by increased stock and stable demand levels. While the number of renters per new instruction has decreased across London, figures remain high in South London with 24 renters per instruction, as well as West and East London’s 23 and 22 renters respectively.

The rise in stock levels, especially in the latter half of 2023, provided a welcome boost to the market. Notably, September and October saw stock levels 29% and 37% higher than the previous year, with even December registering a 22% increase over December 2022. Consequently, the overall stock in 2023 was 13% higher than in 2022, and this trend of sustained supply is anticipated to continue into the first half of 2024.

Foxtons year to date key market indicators

Gareth Atkins, MD of Lettings at Foxtons, said: “Our belief is that the 2024 London Lettings market will be a far more traditional market than we have seen since 2020. Our expectations are for volumes to rise with seasonality over spring and summer before plateauing in Q4 offering more predictability for renters and landlords despite the General Election on the horizon.”

Sarah Tonkinson, MD institutional PRS and Build to Rent at Foxtons, added: “Now in the first month of 2024, the market is certainly better balanced than we have seen in recent years. It makes a strong start to what should be a pivotal year in London lettings.”