The UK rental market showed a mixed regional picture in March 2026, with movements in average agreed rents varying significantly across the country, according to the latest analysis from Propertymark.
In Scotland, average rents rose to £1,123, up 4.95% month on month, while Northern Ireland recorded the second-largest increase, rising 3.99% to £887 from £853 in February.
By contrast, rents in London edged down 1.5% over the same period, falling from £2,226 to £2,193, while the West Midlands remained broadly unchanged month on month.
Affordability pressures also varied regionally on an annual basis. In Wales, the average household salary required to rent rose from £29,970 to £31,320, while in Northern Ireland the figure fell from £28,290 to £26,610, a 5.94% decrease year on year.
Overall, the data points to a fragmented rental market, with regional differences in both rent levels and income requirements continuing to widen amid broader economic pressures.
March 2026:
| Location | Average rental price | Representative average annual salary needed to secure the average-priced home (before tax and any deductions) |
| Scotland | £1,123 | £33,690 |
| Northern Ireland | £887 | £26,610 |
| Wales | £1,044 | £31,320 |
| East Midlands | £979 | £29,370 |
| East of England | £1,324 | £39,720 |
| London (inner and outer London) | £2193 | £65,790 |
| North East | £862 | £25,860 |
| North West | £1,089 | £32,670 |
| South East | £1495 | £44,850 |
| South West | £1,309 | £39,270 |
| West Midlands | £1,040 | £31,200 |
| Yorkshire and Humberside | £945 | £28,350 |
March 2025 (for comparison):
| Location | Average rental price | Representative average annual salary needed to secure the average-priced home (before tax and any deductions) |
| Scotland | £1,082 | £32,460 |
| Northern Ireland | £943 | £28,290 |
| Wales | £999 | £29,970 |
| East Midlands | £992 | £29,760 |
| East of England | £1,345 | £40,350 |
| London (inner and outer London) | £2,226 | £66,780 |
| North East | £875 | £26,250 |
| North West | £1069 | £32,070 |
| South East | £1496 | £44,880 |
| South West | £1332 | £39,960 |
| West Midlands | £1,050 | £31,500 |
| Yorkshire and Humberside | £936 | £28,080 |
Change seen in the average salary required year on year:
| Location | March 2025 – typical annual salary needed to secure a home (before tax and deductions) | March 2026 – typical annual salary needed to secure a home (before tax and deductions) | % change in salary needed |
| Scotland | £32,460 | £33,690 | +3.79% |
| Northern Ireland | £28,290 | £26,610 | -5.94% |
| Wales | £29,970 | £31,320 | +4.50% |
| East Midlands | £29,760 | £29,370 | -1.31% |
| East of England | £40,350 | £39,720 | -1.56% |
| London (inner and outer London) | £66,780 | £65,790 | -1.48% |
| North East | £26,250 | £25,860 | -1.49% |
| North West | £32,070 | £32,670 | +1.87% |
| South East | £44,850 | £44,850 | 0.00% |
| South West | £39,960 | £39,270 | -1.73% |
| West Midlands | £31,500 | £31,200 | -0.95% |
| Yorkshire and Humberside | £28,080 | £28,350 | +0.95% |
Average monthly rental price month-on-month comparison (February 2026 – March 2026):
| Location | Average monthly rental price – February 2026 | Average monthly rental price – March 2026 | Percentage change (difference from Jan to Feb) |
| Scotland | £1,070 | £1,123 | +4.95% |
| Northern Ireland | £853 | £887 | +3.99% |
| Wales | £1,043 | £1,044 | +0.10% |
| East Midlands | £1,027 | £979 | -4.67% |
| East of England | £1,324 | £1,328 | +0.30% |
| London (inner and outer London) | £2,226 | £2193 | -1.48% |
| North East | £908 | £862 | -5.07% |
| North West | £1,102 | £1,089 | -1.18% |
| South East | £1,521 | £1495 | -1.71% |
| South West | £1,372 | £1309 | -4.59% |
| West Midlands | £1,040 | £1,040 | 0.00% |
| Yorkshire and Humberside | £954 | £945 | -0.94% |
Megan Eighteen, president of ARLA Propertymark (Association of Residential Letting Agents), commented: “The rental market remains dynamic across many regions when viewed on a month-by-month basis. Price fluctuations are driven by a range of factors, including the volume and type of properties available at any given time, as well as local employment opportunities and their influence on demand. Together, these elements shape how consumers assess their options.
“Overall, rental inflation has been slowing since late 2024 on a year-on-year basis. However, looking ahead, it is important to consider ongoing global uncertainty and the potential impact this may have on the UK economy in the short to medium term, particularly in relation to household affordability.
“At present, it is still too early to determine the future direction of the rental market. A wide range of variables remain in play, including the full impact of recent legislative changes, which has yet to be realised, alongside broader economic pressures that have not yet fully filtered down to consumers.”
Rental yields increase across every region in England and Wales
