The St Helens rental market has rarely stood still, but 2026 is proving to be a particularly defining year. Average monthly rents in the town have climbed from £581 in 2016 to around £844 today — a rise of over 45% across the decade. With legislative change, shifting tenant demand, and tightening compliance requirements all arriving at once, both landlords and tenants need to be well-informed heading into the second half of the year.
At Belvoir St Helens, we work closely with landlords and tenants across the borough every day. This mid-year update is designed to give you a clear, honest picture of where the market stands right now — and what to expect next.
How rents have moved in St Helens in 2026
Rental values across St Helens have continued their upward trajectory in the first half of 2026. Demand for well-presented, well-located rental homes is outstripping available supply in many parts of the borough, keeping upward pressure on asking rents.
Two- and three-bedroom terraced and semi-detached homes remain the most sought-after property types. These account for the largest share of rental stock in St Helens and consistently attract strong tenant interest, particularly from young families and working professionals commuting into Liverpool, Warrington, or Manchester.
According to Rightmove’s 2026 rental tracker data, average asking rents in the North West have risen by approximately 5–7% year-on-year. St Helens is broadly in line with this regional trend, though local neighbourhood dynamics are creating meaningful variation across the borough.
Neighbourhood spotlight: where tenant demand is strongest
Eccleston
Eccleston continues to be one of the most consistently popular rental locations in St Helens. Its mix of good schools, green spaces, and relatively easy access to the A580 and M6 makes it attractive to families and commuters alike. Three-bedroom semi-detached homes here are in particularly short supply, and landlords with well-maintained stock in Eccleston are seeing strong enquiry volumes and minimal void periods.
Newton-le-Willows
Newton-le-Willows has grown considerably in appeal, partly driven by its rail connectivity. Direct services into Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Piccadilly make it a practical base for commuters, and tenant demand for two- and three-bedroom properties here has been notably robust throughout early 2026. Rental yields in Newton-le-Willows are competitive, making it an area worth close attention for portfolio landlords looking to expand.
Rainhill
Rainhill’s semi-rural character and highly regarded schools continue to attract a stable, long-term tenant profile. Families looking for quieter surroundings without sacrificing access to St Helens town centre or the motorway network are drawn to this area. Void periods tend to be low, and tenants here often renew for multiple years — a welcome feature for landlords prioritising steady income over frequent re-lets.
Thatto Heath
Thatto Heath offers more affordable entry points for tenants, making it a popular choice for younger renters and those on lower incomes. Demand for two-bedroom terraces in this area has been consistent, and landlords with competitively priced stock are finding it straightforward to let. Proximity to St Helens town centre and good bus links add to its appeal.
What the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 means for St Helens landlords
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 represents the most significant shift in private rental sector legislation in a generation. For landlords across St Helens, understanding the key changes is not optional — it is essential.
The end of fixed-term tenancies
Fixed-term assured shorthold tenancies are being abolished under the Act. All new tenancies will be periodic from the outset, meaning tenants can give two months’ notice to leave at any time. For landlords, this places greater emphasis on tenant selection, property presentation, and ongoing management — areas where working with an experienced letting agent such as Belvoir St Helens makes a meaningful difference.
New possession grounds
Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions are now gone. Landlords must rely on specific, evidenced grounds under Section 8 to regain possession. New grounds have been introduced — including the ability to recover a property for personal use or for sale — but the process is more structured and requires proper documentation throughout the tenancy.
Landlords who have maintained thorough records, conducted regular inspections, and managed their tenancies professionally will be far better placed to navigate these changes smoothly.
Practical steps for St Helens landlords
Review your tenancy agreements and management processes now. Ensure rent arrears are documented promptly, property inspections are recorded, and all required notices are served correctly. If you manage properties yourself, now is a sensible time to consider whether professional management would better protect your investment under the new legislative framework.
EPC compliance and the 2030 deadline
Energy efficiency is increasingly central to the rental market, and St Helens landlords need to be planning ahead. The government’s proposed requirement for all privately rented homes to achieve a minimum EPC rating of C by 2030 is approaching faster than many landlords realise.
A significant proportion of St Helens’s rental stock consists of older terraced housing, which typically carries D or E ratings. Upgrading insulation, replacing older boilers with modern alternatives, or installing heat pumps where appropriate can all contribute to improving ratings — but these works take time and budget to plan properly.
Landlords with larger portfolios should be prioritising EPC assessments now, identifying which properties require the most investment and sequencing improvements accordingly. Tenants, meanwhile, are increasingly aware of energy costs and are actively seeking more efficient homes — meaning higher-rated properties are likely to command stronger rents and lower void periods going forward.
What tenants should know about the St Helens rental market right now
If you are renting or looking to rent in St Helens in 2026, competition for quality homes in popular neighbourhoods is real. Acting quickly when a suitable property becomes available, having references and documentation ready, and being clear about your requirements from the outset will all help.
Your rights have also strengthened considerably under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. You now have greater security of tenure, clearer protections against unfair rent increases, and stronger recourse if a landlord fails to meet their obligations. Understanding these rights puts you in a much stronger position as a tenant.
Looking ahead to the second half of 2026
The St Helens rental market looks set to remain active through the remainder of 2026. Supply constraints, continued demand from commuters and families, and the ongoing appeal of well-connected neighbourhoods like Eccleston and Newton-le-Willows should sustain rental values. Legislative change will continue to reshape how landlords operate — but those who adapt proactively will remain well-positioned.
Whether you are a first-time landlord with a single property, an experienced investor managing a growing portfolio, or a tenant looking for your next home in St Helens, staying informed is the best foundation for good decisions.
At Belvoir St Helens, we are here to help you navigate every aspect of the local rental market with clarity and confidence. If you would like to understand what your property could achieve in the current market, book a valuation with our team today — we will give you an honest, data-driven assessment based on real local activity.
To find out more about our landlord services, tenant support, or how the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 affects your specific situation, get in touch with the Belvoir St Helens branch directly. Our team is ready to help.
