Rightmove Fee Hikes Loom: What London Landlords Must Do Now

Rightmove's Fee Increases: Why Landlords Should Care

Rightmove, the UK’s leading property portal, has signalled potential further fee increases following a strong start to 2026 despite ongoing market challenges. For London landlords—whether managing a single property or a large portfolio—this means higher costs to advertise rental properties and attract tenants. Given Rightmove’s market dominance, these increases are unlikely to be offset by alternative platforms offering comparable reach.

Understanding the Impact Across Landlord Profiles

• Single-Unit Landlords: Even those with just one property face increased advertising fees, which may affect already tight rental margins in London’s competitive market.
• HMO and Multi-Unit Landlords: Landlords operating Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) or several units will see cumulative fee hikes increasing marketing budgets.
• Portfolio Landlords: Larger portfolios will feel the impact more acutely, as more listings lead to higher overall portal fees.
• Accidental Landlords: Those who have inherited or temporarily manage rental properties should reassess advertising spend to avoid unexpected costs.

Practical Implications: Budgeting and Marketing Strategy

Rightmove’s fee hikes necessitate reviewing your property marketing budget carefully. Although exact new fees have not been published, historical increases typically range from 5% to 10% annually. Landlords should:

• Review Current Advertising Spend: Analyse how much you currently pay Rightmove and forecast increased costs.
• Assess ROI: Evaluate tenant enquiry levels and lettings secured via Rightmove compared to other advertising channels.
• Explore Alternatives: Consider supplementing or partially shifting advertising to portals like Zoopla, OnTheMarket, or social media platforms to diversify tenant reach and reduce reliance on Rightmove.

Compliance and Operational Considerations

Letting agents managing properties on landlords’ behalf should anticipate increased marketing fees and adjust client billing accordingly. Transparent communication with landlords about potential rent adjustments to cover increased costs is advisable.

Next Steps for Landlords

1. Monitor Rightmove announcements regarding exact fee increases—typically announced with 30–60 days’ notice.
2. Update your property marketing budgets to reflect anticipated fee rises.
3. Engage your letting agent to discuss impacts on service charges and marketing strategies.
4. Evaluate your marketing mix by testing alternative platforms and tracking effectiveness.
5. Participate in landlord associations and industry groups to stay informed about any regulatory responses.

How Rentals & Sales Can Support You

We offer portfolio reviews and compliance audits to optimise marketing expenditure and maximise tenant reach while controlling costs. Our pricing strategy consultations can help you navigate rent setting in light of increased operational expenses like portal fees. Contact us to schedule a tailored review and safeguard your portfolio’s profitability.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Landlords should consult qualified professionals regarding their specific situations.