July & August 2026 Investor Update | Know The Market

2026 has already reshaped the rental landscape — from the first phase of the Renters' Rights Act, which came into force in May, to rising average rent prices across the country.

With Phase 2 on the horizon and EPC changes worth planning for now, staying compliant is only getting more demanding. That's why we work hard to keep you ahead of every legislative change, protecting you and your property at every step.

Rental prices across Gloucestershire and Worcestershire continued to rise in July 2026, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

In July 2026, both the South West and West Midlands show an increase of 4.5% compared to July 2025 according to the latest ONS data.

Gloucester and Stroud continue to outperform the wider regional market. Gloucester has seen the strongest increase at 7.4%, followed by Stroud at 6.0%, highlighting strong returns for landlords across these areas.

Cheltenham has increased by 4.3%, broadly in line with the regional picture.

Worcester continues to perform well with a 4.8% increase since 2025, slightly outperforming the wider regional growth of 4.5% and demonstrating Worcester's steady and positive growth.

With rental property prices changing so dramatically over the last year, the best way to stay up to date is to get a free, expert rental valuation with our experienced Lettings valuers.

All rental prices and statistics above compare July 2026 with 2025 and are sourced from the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.

Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax is a significant change to how landlords report rental income to HMRC. Since April 2026, landlords and sole traders with a qualifying income of more than £50,000 have been required to use MTD.

From April 2027, the qualifying income threshold will fall to £30,000 and drop further still in 2028 to a qualifying income threshold of £20,000, so it's important to understand the rules now in order to avoid unnecessary stress when the change applies to you.

See our Making Tax Digital guide to know how you need to prepare before you're affected.