Average UK rents reached another record high in September, despite falling across eight of the 12 regions monitored by HomeLet.
The latest HomeLet Rental Index puts average monthly rent at £1,387. That represents a 0.4% increase on August and a 3.3% rise compared with September 2025.
London drove much of the monthly increase. Average rents in the capital climbed 1.5% to £2,272, up from £2,238 in August. They are now 3.3% higher than a year ago.
However, the picture outside London was different. Average rents across the rest of the UK slipped 0.3% to £1,176. Despite the monthly decline, they remain 3.1% higher year on year.
Only four regions recorded monthly rental growth in September. Northern Ireland saw the largest increase at 2.2%, followed by London at 1.5% and Yorkshire & Humberside at 1%.
The South West recorded a smaller rise of 0.8%.
On an annual basis, Northern Ireland and the South West led rental growth, both up 5.4%. Scotland followed at 4.9%.
Wales was the only region to record an annual fall, with average rents down 0.4%.
Rental affordability remains under pressure
Despite signs of easing rents in several regions, affordability remains a concern for tenants and letting agents.
HomeLet’s figures show tenants now spend an average of 32.1% of their income on rent.
The proportion rises to 40% in Northern Ireland and 38% in Greater London.
Jo Dickens, head of business development at HomeLet, questioned whether tenant earnings were keeping pace with rental costs.
“Rents have hit another record high, but are tenants’ incomes really keeping up?
“The pace of growth varies considerably by region. Rents in Northern Ireland and the South West are up more than 5% year on year, while annual increases in the West Midlands and South East are below 2%.
“A slower rise in local rents doesn’t necessarily mean applicants are finding properties easier to afford. That’s why referencing really needs to look beyond salary to build a fuller picture of affordability.
“We need to consider whether someone can meet their credit commitments, pay their rent and still afford to live and pay their bills.”
Regional rental performance – September 2026
| Region | Average monthly rent | Annual change |
|---|---|---|
| Greater London | £2,272 | +3.3% |
| South East | £1,472 | +1.8% |
| East of England | £1,340 | +2.0% |
| South West | £1,274 | +5.4% |
| North West | £1,115 | +2.9% |
| West Midlands | £1,060 | +1.8% |
| Scotland | £1,053 | +4.9% |
| Northern Ireland | £1,009 | +5.4% |
| Yorkshire & Humberside | £965 | +3.5% |
| East Midlands | £936 | +2.1% |
| Wales | £920 | −0.4% |
| North East | £732 | +3.7% |
| UK average | £1,387 | +3.3% |
Unlike indices based on advertised asking rents, HomeLet’s figures reflect rents agreed on new tenancies. The index draws on referencing data processed for more than 5,000 letting agents across the UK.
