Exeter remains one of the South West’s strongest cities for landlords. Strong tenant demand, a thriving university and a growing professional workforce mean well-presented rental properties rarely remain vacant for long. In 2026, landlords must also navigate ongoing legislative changes alongside evolving tenant expectations, making it more important than ever to stay informed.
Whether you own a single rental property or manage a sizeable portfolio, this guide explains what you need to know about Exeter’s rental market in 2026.
Why Exeter’s rental market is holding strong
Demand for rental homes in Exeter continues to exceed supply. The University of Exeter attracts more than 25,000 students each year, many of whom require private rented accommodation. Alongside the student market, the city’s expanding technology sector, NHS workforce at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and major public sector employers continue to generate strong professional tenant demand.
Average monthly rents for two-bedroom properties in Exeter are around £1,127, according to the latest Office for National Statistics data (May 2026). Rental values in sought-after central neighbourhoods and premium locations are often significantly higher, depending on the property’s condition, size and specification.
Key areas to know as an Exeter landlord
Location remains one of the biggest influences on rental demand. Understanding where tenants are looking helps landlords achieve competitive rents while reducing void periods.
St David’s and the city centre
These areas continue to attract young professionals and postgraduate students seeking easy access to Exeter city centre, Exeter St David’s railway station and local amenities. Rental values remain among the highest in the city, with well-presented one and two-bedroom apartments often letting quickly. Direct rail services from Exeter St David’s to London Paddington continues to make the area particularly attractive to commuters, while excellent regional connections further enhance its appeal for professionals.
Pennsylvania Road
Pennsylvania Road and the surrounding streets remain one of Exeter’s most established student rental locations. Their close proximity to the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus makes the area particularly popular for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Landlords with student properties here continue to benefit from consistently strong demand throughout the academic year.
Alphington and Countess Wear
These residential neighbourhoods continue to appeal to families and longer-term tenants. Three and four-bedroom homes in Alphington and Countess Wear generally experience lower tenant turnover, providing more stable rental income and fewer void periods. Convenient access to the A30, local schools and employment centres continues to support demand.
What the Renters’ Rights Act means for you in 2026
The Renters’ Rights Act continues to reshape the private rented sector across England. As implementation progresses throughout 2026, landlords should ensure they understand how the legislation affects tenancy management, possession procedures and ongoing compliance.
The end of Section 21
As the Renters’ Rights Act is implemented, landlords can no longer rely on Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and must instead use the relevant statutory grounds for possession where they apply.
This does not remove a landlord’s ability to recover possession where there is a legitimate reason, such as selling the property or moving back into it. However, landlords must ensure they satisfy the relevant legal requirements and maintain clear documentation throughout the tenancy.
Having robust tenancy procedures in place from the outset is now more important than ever.
Periodic tenancies become the standard
The legislation introduces periodic tenancies as the default tenancy structure, replacing traditional fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies.
Tenants can give notice in accordance with the legislation, while landlords must follow the updated legal possession process where appropriate. Rent increases are also subject to the prescribed statutory process, with tenants able to challenge increases they believe exceed market levels.
As different elements of the legislation continue to come into force, landlords should regularly monitor official government guidance to ensure ongoing compliance.
EPC requirements: planning ahead for future standards
Energy efficiency remains an important consideration for landlords in 2026. Rental properties in England must currently achieve a minimum EPC rating of E unless a valid exemption applies. The government continues to work towards higher minimum energy efficiency standards for privately rented homes, making early planning a sensible approach.
Many of Exeter’s older Victorian and Edwardian properties — particularly around St Leonard’s and Heavitree — currently achieve EPC ratings of D or below.
Now is an ideal time to assess your property’s current EPC rating and consider improvements where appropriate. Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, upgraded heating systems and improved glazing can all help improve energy performance while making properties more attractive to prospective tenants.
Planning improvements early allows landlords to spread costs and avoid potential disruption should future minimum standards be introduced.
Deposit protection: a quick reminder
Every tenancy deposit must continue to be protected within a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days of receipt. England’s approved schemes remain the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), MyDeposits and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).
Failure to protect a deposit correctly, or to provide the prescribed information within the required timescales, may result in financial penalties and affect a landlord’s ability to regain possession through the courts.
For landlords managing multiple properties, regularly reviewing deposit records remains an important part of staying compliant.
How Hunters Exeter can help you let with confidence
Managing legislative change while protecting your rental income requires ongoing attention. Hunters Exeter works with landlords across the city, from first-time landlords to experienced portfolio investors, providing lettings and property management services designed to keep clients compliant, informed and in control.
From accurate rental valuations based on current Exeter market evidence to tenant referencing, tenancy agreements, compliance support and fully managed lettings, Hunters Exeter offers services tailored to individual landlord requirements.
Whether you’re letting a student property near Pennsylvania Road, a city centre apartment in St David’s or a family home in Alphington, detailed local knowledge can make a significant difference to both letting speed and achievable rental values.
Ready to make the most of your Exeter rental property?
The Exeter rental market continues to offer excellent opportunities in 2026 for landlords who stay informed, remain compliant and adapt to changing legislation.
Book a free rental valuation with Hunters Exeter today to discover what your property could achieve in the current market. Our team will provide honest, evidence-based advice to help you make informed decisions.
Get in touch with the Hunters Exeter branch today to discuss your options. Whether you’re reviewing your current portfolio or preparing to let your first property, we’re here to help make your rental a success.
Here to get you there.
