Corgan Releases Residency Reshaped: London, Offering New Insights into Rental Housing Market

New research reveals how affordability, housing access and evolving work patterns are reshaping renter preferences in London

LONDON, October 27, 2026, Global architecture and design firm Corgan has released Residency Reshaped: London, a new research report examining how affordability pressures, changing work patterns and ongoing housing constraints are influencing the decisions, expectations and priorities of renters across London. Led by Corgan, Hugo, the firm's research and innovation group, the study combines renter perspectives with industry insights to better understand the dynamics influencing the city's housing market. The findings provide developers, owners and operators with evidence-based guidance for designing residential communities that respond to resident priorities while supporting long-term value in an increasingly competitive market.

Residency Reshaped: London uses a mixed-methods research approach, combining a survey of 420 renters across London with market analysis, secondary research and interviews with renters, developers and property managers. By examining where industry perceptions align with, and differ from, renter experiences, the research identifies opportunities for developers, owners and operators to better respond to evolving resident needs and expectations.

"Excellent design begins with understanding people, and the most successful residential communities are designed around how people actually live," said Maurice O'Neill, Principal and Regional Practice Leader at Corgan. "The research highlights the priorities shaping renter decisions, helping developers focus investment where it can have the greatest impact, creating communities that better respond to renter expectations today and into the future."

As affordability pressures and barriers to homeownership continue to shape the market, the findings offer a deeper understanding of the factors that influence housing choice, resident satisfaction and retention. The research also examines long-held assumptions about location, amenities, remote work, technology and the rental experience.

Key findings:

• Affordability and location remain central to housing decisions: Renters are not simply seeking the lowest price. Instead, they evaluate value across a combination of factors, including affordability, location, amenities, safety and overall quality of experience.
• Retention is closely tied to satisfaction with the home itself: Renters who intend to remain in their current property most frequently cite satisfaction with unit size, affordability, location and design as reasons for staying.
• Remote work continues to shape housing preferences: Nearly two-thirds of respondents work remotely either full-time or part-time, increasing the importance of reliable internet access, quiet environments and dedicated or adaptable workspaces within the home.
• Practical amenities support day-to-day living: The research found that renters place particular value on amenities that support convenience and everyday routines, including fitness facilities, Wi‑Fi, laundry facilities, coworking spaces and parking.

"We believe that research is most valuable when it leads to better design decisions. Our research helps clients to understand residents' behaviours, expectations and priorities so they can make more informed decisions about how to differentiate their communities and where to invest," said Melissa Hoelting, Assistant Director of Corgan, Hugo. "By offering evidence grounded in data, we help developers and owners reduce uncertainty, providing a stronger foundation for making decisions that improve both the resident experience and long-term asset performance."

In 2025, Corgan published its inaugural Residency Reshaped research report, surveying 1,480 renters across six U.S. markets: Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Denver, Nashville, and Phoenix. In 2026, the firm expanded the research with Residency Reshaped: Dublin and now Residency Reshaped: London, providing a broader perspective on how renter priorities are evolving across global housing markets. To explore more Corgan research insights, visit News & Insights.

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ABOUT CORGAN

Corgan is an employee-owned architecture and design firm with 24 locations and more than 1,400 team members globally. Ranked as the No. 4 architecture firm by Architectural Record and Building Design + Construction, the firm works with clients in a variety of sectors including aviation & transportation, cultural, data centres, education, government, health, hospitality & retail, mixed-use, multifamily, office, and workplace. The firm's core disciplines are supported by a wide range of supplemental services including brand & graphics, furniture services, master planning and sustainability, all of which have a singular goal: to build environments where clients thrive. Founded in 1938, Corgan has developed a strong reputation for agility in design by anticipating marketplace changes and leading clients to thoughtful, data-driven design solutions. Its research insights and design expertise empower the organization to foresee emerging changes and develop solutions that minimize risk, create flexibility, and maximize longevity. To learn more about Corgan, visit www.corgan.com.