Online searches by British renters for homes in London have increased by 13% in the past two years compared to the previous year.
Analysis of Google data by Hiscox Insurance also found that searches for apartments in London increased by almost 4% over the same period.
However, for international renters, Bolton saw the biggest increase in home searches, with a 77% increase, and Bristol saw the biggest increase in home searches, with a 101% increase.
After this, Oxford and Leeds saw the second and third strongest increases in international renter demand for both apartments and houses.
For British renters, Birmingham and then Edinburgh saw the biggest increase in demand from flat hunters after London, while Cardiff and then Birmingham were the hotspots for people looking to rent a home.
Michael Dear, landlord insurance product leader at Hiscox, said: “As the rental market continues to change, staying in tune with tenant demand is crucial for landlords looking to make smart, forward-looking decisions.
“Our analysis shows how lifestyle changes, remote working and even social media trends are making people want to live.
“While London remains an important hub for UK tenants, increasing interest in cities such as Cardiff and Birmingham points to growing opportunities in regional centres, likely to be driven by regeneration efforts and relative affordability.
“We are also seeing signs that international renters are expanding their search beyond the capital, with increasing demand in villages and smaller towns that can offer more space and better value for families.
“For landlords, these emerging patterns can help inform everything from location choices to property types.
“Whether you’re new to buy-to-let or expanding your portfolio, understanding where demand is increasing is crucial to minimizing vacancy periods and future-proofing your investment.”