Corporate Relocations in Summer: How London Landlords Can Benefit

The data this year points to something more structural than seasonal demand.

• Corporate housing revenue in the UK has grown by over 12% to £1.5 billion, reflecting sustained demand for flexible, business-led accommodation.

• Relocation activity has surged by around 20% at the start of 2026, driven by return-to-office policies and renewed hiring.

• At the same time, 62% of UK CEOs now expect staff in the office four or more days per week, increasing the need for London-based accommodation.

There is a clear message here - demand is rising. The rise in corporate demand creates a window of opportunity for landlords. It’s less about reacting quickly and more about preparing early. The strongest outcomes we are seeing are where properties are positioned ahead of the summer peak, not after it begins.

With the introduction of the Renters' Rights Act from 1st May 2026, the structure of lettings has shifted.

Fixed term Assured Shorthold Tenancies are being replaced by periodic arrangements, giving tenants greater flexibility to remain in a property. For landlords, this can reduce certainty around timelines and future planning.

This doesn’t remove the viability of long lets but it does change how they feel in practice.

In contrast, corporate tenancies offer greater peace of mind due to longer tenancy lengths - nearer 24 months in most cases, which makes for a more attractive tenancy. For some landlords, that structure is becoming more valuable as wider regulation evolves.

It’s also worth noting that the supply side is changing. Some landlords are choosing to exit the market altogether, while others are restructuring how they hold and manage property.

The result is a market where quality stock, professionally managed, is increasingly in demand.

Corporate demand in London remains anchored in key central and well-connected areas, but it is also broadening.

Traditional core locations continue to perform strongly:

• Mayfair, Marylebone, Kensington offer proximity to global businesses and a high standard of living.

• Canary Wharf and the City of London remain central to finance and professional services relocations.

What has shifted in 2026 is the strength of demand in connected, lifestyle-led locations:

• King's Cross has become a major hub for technology and life sciences.

• Battersea continues to attract corporate tenants linked to new commercial developments.

From a Chestertons perspective, this aligns closely with where we operate across London. Our street-by-street expertise combined with our branch network allows us to match corporate tenants not just to a postcode, but to the right micro-location - whether that’s proximity to an office, a school, or transport links.

And that detail matters. Corporate tenants are typically making decisions quickly, but they are not making them lightly.

While every property performs differently, there are some consistent financial patterns worth noting.

Corporate relocations often command:

• Longer duration of stays – less turnover, more rental income

• Reduced void periods due to pre-arranged move-ins

• Fewer arrears, given the involvement of corporate budgets and relocation agents

This doesn’t mean higher returns in every case. Furnishing costs, management requirements and property type all play a role. However, when aligned correctly, the outcome is often not just higher income, but more predictable income.

Preparation is where the difference is made. The properties that perform best in the corporate market are not simply available - they are ready.

That starts with presentation. Corporate tenants expect a fully furnished home that feels considered rather than temporary. This includes practical details - reliable Wi-Fi, a defined workspace, quality furnishings - but also a sense that the property has been prepared with care.

Timing is equally important. Many relocations are arranged weeks, sometimes months, in advance. Bringing a property to market in late spring allows it to be included in those conversations early, rather than competing once demand peaks.

Structure also matters. With the shift to periodic tenancies under the Renters’ Rights Act, understanding how your property is let—and under what agreement—is essential. This is where experienced guidance can remove uncertainty and ensure everything is set up correctly from the outset.

From our side, this is where we tend to focus our support. Clear advice, realistic timelines, and a straightforward plan, so you know what’s happening and what comes next.

The direction of travel is becoming clearer. Demand for flexible, mid-term accommodation is expected to continue growing, supported by:

• Ongoing corporate relocation activity

• Hybrid working patterns that still require physical presence

• A shortage of high-quality, ready-to-occupy homes

At the same time, supply may tighten further. Development pipelines have slowed in parts of London, and some landlords are stepping back from the market due to regulatory pressure.

That combination of steady demand and constrained supply typically supports both occupancy and pricing.

What may change is the level of professionalism expected. Corporate tenants and relocation agents are becoming more selective, favouring properties that are well-managed and consistently presented.

For landlords, this points to a more considered approach. Not necessarily doing more, but doing the right things earlier.

At Chestertons, we work across corporate relocations, long lets and short lets. That allows us to step back, understand your priorities, and recommend the approach that fits, not just for this summer, but for the longer term.

We’re here at every stage, providing clear updates, practical next steps and steady guidance when it matters. It’s a detail-focused approach that’s led to 96% of our clients rating our service as excellent.