The Crawley Lettings Market: A Resilient Powerhouse in a Changing UK Landscape
The Crawley Lettings Market: 2026 Insights | New Move Letting Agents
The Crawley Lettings Market: A Resilient Powerhouse in a Changing UK Landscape
When it comes to the UK property market, recent reports reveal a "Tale of Two Markets." While London's lettings sector faces headwinds with annual inflation dropping as low as 1.1% in early 2026, the lettings market in Crawley, West Sussex, is proving to be a robust and thriving hub. At New Move Letting Agents in Crawley, we’re seeing firsthand why this town is such an attractive proposition for both landlords and tenants.
Why Crawley's Lettings Market is So Strong
The resilience of the Crawley lettings market is built on local economic factors that continue to outpace the wider South East region:
- Employment and Economic Stability: Major employers, particularly Gatwick Airport, provide a continuous stream of working professionals. With the approval of the Northern Runway project, long-term confidence in the town is at an all-time high.
- Affordability and Accessibility: Compared to the record-high costs in London, Crawley offers an appealing blend of affordability and excellent transport links, making it a premier commuter hotspot for the capital and the South Coast.
- Diverse Tenant Base: From aviation staff at Gatwick to corporate professionals in the Manor Royal Business District, demand remains steady across all property types.
A Closer Look at the 2026 Numbers
Recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirms that Crawley's rental growth remains significant. As of January 2026, the average monthly rent in Crawley rose to £1,463, representing an annual increase of 4.2%—higher than the wider South East average of 3.6%.
Average Rents by Property Type (Jan 2026)
| Property Type | Average Monthly Rent | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Flats and Maisonettes | £1,207 | +4.4% |
| Terraced Properties | £1,448 | +4.4% |
| Semi-Detached Properties | £1,596 | +3.8% |
| Detached Properties | £2,132 | +3.4% |
The Gatwick Impact: Short-term Risk, Long-term Reward
The government's approval of the £2.2 billion Northern Runway project has created a unique "wait and see" period for the local market. While construction might cause minor short-term fluctuations in house prices, the long-term rental demand is expected to surge as the project creates up to 14,000 new jobs by 2030.
What This Means for Crawley Landlords
For landlords in Crawley, this robust market provides a unique opportunity. At New Move Letting Agents, we help our clients capitalise on these favourable conditions:
- Maximise Your Rental Yield: Demand is highest for one-bedroom properties, which saw a 4.8% increase in average rents this year.
- Professional Property Management: With the Renters’ Rights Act and evolving regulations, a professional agent is essential to ensure your property remains compliant and profitable.
- Strategic Growth: We help you identify the best "micro-markets" in Crawley, from the family appeal of Maidenbower to the commuter convenience of Three Bridges.
Your Local Crawley Lettings Experts
At New Move Letting Agents in Crawley, we are specialists in the local market. Whether you're a new landlord or an experienced investor looking to expand your portfolio in 2026, we offer unparalleled local knowledge and a tailored service to help you succeed.
Ready to find out the current potential of your property? Contact New Move Letting Agents today for a FREE, no-obligation rental valuation.
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