Average Tenancy Length Approaches 3 Years

The average rental tenancy across England and Wales has now hit over 1,000 days, according to reports by the Deposit Protection Scheme.

This report says that renters now spend an average 1,085 days - almost 3 full years - in a property, as of data from April 2025. This is an increase of 179 days - or 19.75% - compared to the average across the whole of 2024.

Why are renters staying in properties longer?

There are multiple reasons that renters are choosing to stay in properties long-term.

In turn, it benefits landlords by offering a reliable, long-term tenant providing a steady stream of income via rental payments, reducing the worry of void periods and the trouble of finding a new, trustworthy tenant to take over the property.

Costs and Hassles of Moving

A common reason renters don't want to move home is down to the cost and the effort of moving. Especially for those that rent an unfurnished property, having to move a full home of furniture is not an easy task, and can get very expensive if movers need to be involved to support.

There are also other costs associated with moving, including having to fund a deposit for a new space, which is typically 5 weeks' rent.

Happy Where They Are

One of the biggest reasons that renters stay in a property long-term is down to simply being happy where they are. This could be because of the location, the apartment itself, the amenities that it offers, or the community that they've become a part of, but a happy tenant is much more likely to stay long-term.

Increasing House Prices

Over the last few years, the average age of a first-time buyer has steadily risen, with house prices increasing as well as interest rates skyrocketing. Whilst rates are now dropping, and 5% deposit mortgages are available, it's still not easy to take that first step onto the property ladder, and more and more renters are now delaying taking that step, with some deciding that they're no longer interested altogether.

High Stability, Low Commitment

Renting long-term is a stable option for tenants, as they know what they're getting and what they're paying for an agreed amount of time. It also means that should they want to downsize, relocate, or find a new property, they aren't locked into ownership and can do so with relative ease. The level of stability to commitment that renting offers is often why tenants stay in one location for a longer period, as they take the time to plan their next steps.

If you're interested in learning more about the rental market and how you can benefit from it, reach out to our expert team today.