Prior to the Brexit referendum, European nationals accounted for approximately one in three renters in London, a testament to the capital’s international appeal and fluid mobility within the EU.
By July 2022, this figure had fallen dramatically, with just 14% of tenants in the capital holding European citizenship. This decline reflected both political uncertainty and the curtailment of free movement in the wake of the UK’s departure from the European Union.
Renting a Property in London
However, the past year has seen a notable recovery. Between 2023 and 2024, European nationals made up 20% of new lease signatories, indicating a degree of renewed confidence and interest in the London rental market from the continent.
According to proprietary tenancy data analysed by property technology firm Goodlord, the downward trend in European renters was both sharp and prolonged.
London Remains a Popular Choice
The recent rebound suggests that, while Brexit reshaped London’s tenant demographic, the city’s enduring global pull is gradually reasserting itself, particularly as international mobility resumes and the capital remains a key destination for employment and lifestyle opportunities.
