East London Property Market Update: What Landlords Need to Know in 2026

The East London rental market has continued to perform strongly through the first half of 2026, with average asking rents in E7 now sitting at £1,650 per month for a two-bedroom property — up approximately 6% year-on-year. Demand from working professionals and young families relocating from more expensive inner-London boroughs continues to drive competition for well-presented homes.

Key trends we're seeing

Void periods remain low across our managed portfolio, averaging just 12 days between tenancies. Properties that are well-maintained, energy-efficient, and priced accurately are letting within days of being listed. Overpriced properties, by contrast, are sitting for weeks — a pattern we haven't seen as starkly in previous years.

The Elizabeth line continues to boost demand in Forest Gate and Manor Park, with commuters increasingly choosing E7 over more expensive Stratford alternatives. We're seeing a notable uptick in enquiries from tenants who work in the City and Canary Wharf.

What this means for landlords

If you haven't reviewed your rental price in the past 12 months, now is a good time to do so. Many of our landlords have been able to achieve meaningful rent increases at renewal — but only where the property has been well maintained and the relationship with the tenant has been managed carefully. We always recommend a considered approach: a fair increase that reflects the market is far better than losing a good tenant and facing a void period.

EPC compliance is also increasingly on tenants' radar. Properties with an EPC rating of C or above are consistently attracting more enquiries and letting faster. If your property is currently rated D or below, it's worth speaking to us about cost-effective improvements before the next tenancy.