January & February 2026 Investor Update | Know The Market
1st March 2026- Area: Cheltenham
- Area: Stroud
- Area: Worcester
- Blog
- Market Updates
- Office: Abbeymead
- Office: Churchdown
- Office: Longlevens
- Office: Quedgeley
- Office: St. John's
- Office: Tuffley
Positive Outlook For The 2026 Rental Market
The local rental market continues to show strong growth, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Whilst average rents in Cheltenham remain the highest across the 4 areas, Stroud and Gloucester saw the biggest increases last month, with Worcester now not far off £1,000 pcm.
Last updated on 18th February 2026, the figures below compare January 2026 with the same month in the previous year.
The South West recorded an overall increase of 4.9%, bringing the average rent to £1,224 pcm. Gloucester and Stroud saw even higher percentage rises, while Cheltenham continues to set the regional benchmark with the highest average rental price.
All rental prices and statistics above compare January 2026 with January 2025 and are sourced from the Office for National Statistics.
We're Constantly Working To Keep Our Landlords Protected - Legal Protection Now Included As Standard
With the Renters Rights Act coming into effect on 1st May 2026, we want to ensure our landlords are fully prepared for he changes. For the ultimate peace of mind, we're now giving legal protection to every landlord using our fully-managed service.
For new landlords, this protection is FREE for the first year and will cover landlords for up to £100,000, including (but not limited to):
Costs to gain possession
Issuing Section 8 notices
Eviction of squatters
Breach of tenancy disputes
Legal representation for landlords
Nil excess
For landlords who are currently using our services and for new landlords after the first year, the Legal Protection will be auto-renewed for just £35 + VAT per year, ensuring ongoing protection for you and your property against legal proceedings. You will, however, also have the option to opt-out.
If you have any questions about your cover or would like further details, please get in touch — we’ll be happy to help.
To keep up to date with the latest market trends and updates, register with us as a buyer, seller, landlord or tenant and receive our monthly market updates.