Must-Read for Fall 2026 | Will UK Rentals Keep Rising in 2026? The Most Comprehensive Forecast for International Student Housing

Hello Guys, this is your UK housing partner UKmate. At this very moment, many students preparing to apply for the Fall 2026 intake may not have secured all their offers yet, but the anxiety about “where to live” has already begun. After all, the “magical surge” in UK rents over the past two years has left quite a psychological shadow on seniors. The question on everyone's mind is undoubtedly:

Will UK rents continue to rise in 2026?

Given the current exchange rate and prices, how can I choose the most cost-effective housing option?

As an agency with years of deep experience in the UK market, today we'll set aside emotion and use data and expertise to review this year's market trends. We'll also make bold predictions about the direction of the rental market in 2026.

01 | The Burning Question: Will Rent Keep Rising Next Year?

The conclusion upfront: Rents will rise, but the era of “skyrocketing increases” is likely over.

According to forecasts from authoritative institutions like Savills and JLL for 2026, rental growth in major UK cities is expected to moderate to a range of 3%-5%, returning to a relatively rational level.

However! Don't be complacent, as the market is undergoing a dramatic “polarization”:

• Commercial Student Apartments:
Price increases remain robust. Due to rising operational costs (labor, energy) coupled with severe shortages in university dormitory supply, commercial student apartments—particularly the popular studio units—will remain a seller's market through 2026. Apartments in prime locations will not only command higher prices but may also become unavailable despite sufficient funds if secured too late.

• Private Residential:
Offering exceptional value for money, private landlords' boutique apartments provide greater room for negotiation compared to Commercial Student Apartment's fixed-price hikes. Particularly in newly built developments featuring modern finishes and comprehensive amenities, these properties often deliver larger living spaces and enhanced privacy than student accommodation within the same budget.

02 | Trend Insight: By 2026, “Living Well” Will Have a New Definition

After serving numerous international students, we've observed a shift in rental preferences for 2026. Students are moving beyond the blind pursuit of “living right next to campus,” instead prioritizing quality of life and commuting convenience.

After serving numerous international students, we've observed a shift in rental preferences for 2026. Students no longer blindly pursue “living right next to campus,” but instead prioritize quality of life and commuting convenience.

Trend 1:
From “Cramped Living” to “Exclusive Comfort”
Previously, students might have squeezed into old, cramped apartments to save money. Now, international students increasingly opt for newly built, modern complexes. These apartments typically feature 24/7 concierge services (including package pickup), gyms, and even swimming pools. While technically “social housing,” their security rivals that of student dorms without the noise, making them ideal for quality-conscious undergrads, grad students, and working professionals.

Trend 2:
Housing Along the Elizabeth Line In London, the Elizabeth Line remains the golden rule for finding accommodation.
If your university is centrally located (e.g., UCL/KCL/LSE), venturing slightly along this line (towards areas like Stratford, Canary Wharf, or Ealing) reveals a striking upgrade: for the same rent, you can move from cramped, outdated city center flats to spacious, bright “luxury riverside apartments/high-rise flats.”

03 | Why Should You Pay Attention to Properties from “Chinese Landlords” in 2026?

This is essentially an information gap.

Many new students only know to look for Commercial Student Apartments on booking websites, unaware that the UK actually has a large number of high-quality, newly built apartments owned by Chinese landlords.

As a team deeply rooted in the UK, over 60% of our listings are these premium properties. Choosing such homes (especially compared to UK local landlords) offers inherent advantages in 2026:

• Zero communication barriers - they even understand you better:
Most Chinese landlords deeply comprehend international students' needs. For instance, they often provide high-quality furniture (like full-size beds and desks)—items frequently omitted by UK landlords—ensuring a truly “move-in ready” experience.
• More flexible start dates:
Unlike the rigid “44-week/51-week” contracts common in student halls, private apartments often allow negotiation on start dates and lease lengths—ideal for language course students or those job-hunting in the UK.
• Modern aesthetics:
Say goodbye to outdated British decor like carpets and dim lighting. Our properties feature contemporary designs with hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and open-plan kitchens.

04 | Advice for Fall 2026 Freshmen

• Jumpstart the Early Bird Period:

While overall price growth has slowed, quality properties remain scarce. The current off-peak season (December-March) is actually when many premium listings hit the market. Securing your choice early not only offers more options but also yields more attractive prices compared to the summer peak season.

• Broaden Your Horizons:

Don't limit yourself to properties within a 10-minute walk of the school. London's transportation network is highly developed. Trading a 15-20 minute tube commute for double the living space and newer apartment amenities is an absolutely wise choice.