49% of current tenants believe average rents will be higher in 12 months time, according to Rightmove’s latest Consumer Confidence Survey.

Worryingly, the firm also found that rental search activity is up by two-thirds in the last two years whilst available stock is down by nearly a quarter over the same period.

The Rightmove Consumer Confidence Survey provides a UK-wide picture of home-mover confidence by collecting opinions on a range of factors affecting the housing market and perceptions of it.

Miles Shipside, director of Rightmove, said: “Further rent rises appear to be looming for many