Property search data from Rightmove over the past 12 months has been analysed to reveal the most sought-after areas for a rental property.

The research found that London is unsurprisingly the most searched city in the UK, with Canary Wharf in particular identified as the most popular location for renters in the capital. This was followed in chronological order by Fulham, Wimbledon, Richmond and Clapham. 

London dominates the top 10 locations for rental searches, with Stratford, Islington, Putney, Notting Hill, and Kingston, ranking sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth, respectively.  

Bristol has been crowned the most searched for a place outside of London for both buyers and renters in 2019, the Rightmove data has revealed.

Rightmove’s property expert, Miles Shipside, said: “There’s high demand for suitable housing in Bristol and the surrounding area, as it’s a vibrant regional centre with a strong local economy.  Historically, there has not been enough new house building to cope with the shortage of homes, resulting in prices rising at a faster pace than many other cities in the UK.”

He added: “These are dynamics that are likely to continue, making Bristol a good place to invest.”

In terms of rental hikes, Ashton-Under-Lyne in the North West has seen the biggest increase outside of London. Tenants, on average, are spending £546 a month – a 5.4% upturn from 2018.

And in London, Battersea in Wandsworth has seen the biggest increase in average asking rents, with prices rising by 14.1% over the past year to £2,544 per month.