Bridgwater and Taunton Rental Market: Trends & Drivers – What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know
Sep 8
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1. Hinkley Point C: A Major Catalyst
The construction of Hinkley Point C has been a game-changer for the Bridgwater and Taunton rental market:
With up to 15,000 workers anticipated onsite at construction peak, demand for rental homes has surged, thus pushing rents well above average for the South West.
Many workers are on three- to five-year contracts, increasing demand for longer tenancies, lowering turnover, and reducing void periods.
EDF has contributed to the £7.2 million Community Impact Mitigation Fund, supporting local projects that counterbalance pressure on housing supply (Somerset Council, 2025)
This translates into both opportunities and challenges for landlords. Demand is high, and vacancies are rare—but tenants may expect longer more stable lease terms.
2. Broader Rental & Price Pressures in Somerset
The average monthly private rent in Somerset rose to £950 in June 2025, a 3.7 % increase from June 2024 (Office for National Statistics, 2025).
Rent increases in Taunton’s sought-after neighborhoods like Blackbrook and Galmington are even steeper—some areas seeing annual rent growth of 5–7 % (Rent Round, 2025).
Housing supply is strained: RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) reports the sharpest drop in new rental property listings since the first COVID lockdown, fuelling further rent pressure despite steady demand (The Guardian, 2025).
3. Regional Context and Long-Term Outlook
Nationally, rents are still rising. A Rightmove summary notes UK rents at a record high (~£1,577/month), a 2.9 % rise year-on-year—driven by low supply (The Times, 2025).
Long-term forecasts aren't easing up. Savills predicts UK rents could climb nearly 20 % between 2025 and 2029, with supply-demand imbalances continuing to tighten (The Times, 2025).
What This Means for Taunton Landlords & Tenants
For Landlords
Maximise investments: High demand and low vacancy offer excellent potential—but long-term tenancy preferences suggest favouring stable, sustainable rentals.
Target appeal: Energy-efficient features and properties near schools, transport, or Hinkley-friendly commuting routes may attract more applicants.
Watch supply trends carefully: A slowdown in new listings can justify rent increases—but changes in legislation or tax policy may alter the outlook quickly.
For Tenants
Act fast, secure strong references: Rental stock moves quickly, especially in high-demand zones—be proactive.
Plan for longer leases: With the push toward periodic tenancies, demonstrating reliability and stability may strengthen your position.
References
Office for National Statistics, 2025. House Prices in Somerset: How average house prices and rents are changing in Somerset. Available at: Housing prices in Somerset [Accessed 8th September 2025].
Rent Round, 2025. Estate Agents in Taunton, Somerset. Available from: Directory - Rentround [Accessed 8th September 2025].
Somerset Council, 2025. Hinkley Point C Community Impact Mitigation Fund. Available at: Hinkley Point C Community Impact Mitigation Fund [Accessed 8th September 2025].
The Guardian, 2025. Drop in new properties to rent is steepest since Covid, says Rics. Available at: Drop in new properties for rent is steepest since Covid, says Rics | Renting property | The Guardian
The Times, 2025. Rents reach record high as demand outstrips supply. Available from: Rents reach record high as landlords brace for tax changes
