The number of private rental homes has increased by 18,610 in the last five years – defying those suggesting an exodus of landlords in the wake of changes to tax relief, stamp duty and tenant fees. 

London is not only home to the largest rental sector with over one million private million homes, but has seen a 6.4 per cent increase in stock in the last five years – that’s 63,000 more homes to meet tenant demand. 

In the West Midlands, stock levels have climbed by 4.4 per cent closely followed by the East Midlands with a 3.9 per cent jump.  

The South West, Wales and East of England have also seen an increase in the number of private rental properties within the sector. 

But not all regions have witnessed an uplift.

The North West has been hit hardest by a reduction in availability with 556,005 private rental homes – 34,000 less than five years ago.

In the South East, the level of privately rented homes has fallen by 5.2 per cent during the same timeframe, meaning there are 36,500 fewer properties for tenants to fight over. 

Drops have also been seen in Yorkshire and the Humber, Scotland and North East England.

The data has been gathered by finance firm Octane Capital. Its chief executive Jonathan Samuels says: “Much has been made about the government’s intentions to deter landlords via a string of legislative changes designed to reduce buy to let profitability, but as it stands, we’re yet to see any top line decline in private rental stock levels as a result of these changes. 

“That said, some areas of the British rental market have faired far better than others and while stock levels have increased across the majority, there have also been some notable declines. 

“The private rental market remains vital to so many across Britain and it’s crucial that the government recognises this and does its best to nurture the sector in order to encourage landlords, not deter them.”