An analysis of 15,583 properties experiencing high rental demand across England, has revealed which property types are most requested.

Across England, flats remain the single most common property type amongst those experiencing high rental demand, accounting for 34.3% of the total.

However, houses collectively account for 65.7%, with detached properties making up 27.3% of high-demand rental homes, semi-detached properties accounting for 22.8% and terraced homes a further 15.6%.

At a regional level, the South East accounts for the largest proportion of the high-demand rental properties identified, with 4,191 properties equating to 27% of the national total.

London ranks second, accounting for 18%, or 2,869 properties, followed by the East of England at 16%, with 2,562. Combined, the South East and East of England account for 43% of all high-demand rental properties identified, compared with 18% in London.

There is also a substantial difference in the types of properties attracting strong rental demand across these markets.

Within London, flats dominate, accounting for 71.9% of high-demand rental properties. In contrast, almost two-thirds (64.9%) of those identified in the South East are houses, rising to 77% in the East of England.

The divide is even more pronounced in the East Midlands, where houses account for 97.4% of high-demand rental properties, with detached homes alone accounting for more than half (52.6%).

This regional variation highlights just how diverse England’s rental market has become, with demand extending across a broad range of property types and locations.

A spokesperson for Rushbrook, which commissioned the research, says:  “The lettings landscape has evolved considerably in modern times and whilst flats remain the most in demand property type within the rental market, we’re now seeing higher demand for alternative property types such as larger houses.

“This is down to the fact that people are renting for longer and across a much broader range of life stages, with affordability issues with respect to homeownership preventing many from making the move onto the property ladder. As a result, their housing requirements are increasingly diverse.

“For landlords, strong tenant demand is a great starting point because it can help keep void periods to a minimum, but buying the right property is only half the battle. How that property is managed will ultimately play a major role in protecting its appeal and performance over the longer term.

“That means keeping on top of maintenance and compliance, looking after tenants properly and ensuring the property is ready to go when one tenancy ends and another begins. Strong demand creates the opportunity, but good management is what helps landlords make the most of it.”