The latest rental market figures point to an increasingly fragmented picture across the UK, with some areas seeing strong rental growth while others are experiencing declines, according to the latest data provided by Propertymark.
Scotland recorded the strongest monthly increase, with the average rent rising from £1,123 to £1,167 – a 3.9% monthly jump that underlines the continued pressure on supply and tenant demand north of the border.
Northern Ireland also saw a significant increase, with the average rent increasing by 3.7% from £887 to £920 per month. However, the average salary needed to meet the affordability threshold fell 2.4% year-on-year to £27,600, suggesting affordability pressures may be easing slightly despite higher rents.
Meanwhile, London saw rents surge after the recent recession, with the average monthly rent rising 3% from £2,193 to £2,259.
In contrast, rents declined in many areas, indicating market recovery in some parts of the country. Average rents in Wales fell by 3.4%, while the North East and North West saw monthly declines of 3% and 2.6% respectively.
The report tracks agreed rental prices alongside the estimated salary requirements used by reference agencies to assess affordability, providing a snapshot of how rental costs are rising relative to income levels in different parts of the UK.
April 2026:
| Place | average rental price | Representative average annual salary (before taxes and any deductions) needed to secure an average priced home. |
| scotland | £1,167 | £35,010 |
| northern ireland | £920 | £27,600 |
| wales | £1,009 | £30,270 |
| East Midlands | £987 | £29,610 |
| East of England | £1,348 | £40,440 |
| London (inner and outer London) | £2,259 | £67,770 |
| North east | £836 | £25,080 |
| north west | £1,061 | £31,830 |
| south east | £1,482 | £44,460 |
| south west | £1,284 | £38,520 |
| West Midlands | £1,033 | £30,990 |
| Yorkshire and Humberside | £950 | £28,500 |
April 2025 (for comparison):
| Place | average rental price | Representative average annual salary (before taxes and any deductions) needed to secure an average priced home. |
| scotland | £1,154 | £34,620 |
| northern ireland | £943 | £28,290 |
| wales | £999 | £29,970 |
| East Midlands | £979 | £29,370 |
| East of England | £1,329 | £39,870 |
| London (inner and outer London) | £2,247 | £67,410 |
| North east | £876 | £26,280 |
| north west | £1,072 | £32,160 |
| south east | £1,505 | £45,150 |
| south west | £1,266 | £37,980 |
| West Midlands | £1,045 | £31,350 |
| Yorkshire and Humberside | £927 | £27,810 |
Observed change in average required salary year-on-year:
| Place | April 2025 – Typical annual salary needed to secure a home (before taxes and deductions) | April 2026 – Typical annual salary needed to secure a home (before taxes and deductions) | % change in salary required |
| scotland | £34,620 | £35,010 | +1.1% |
| northern ireland | £28,290 | £27,600 | −2.4% |
| wales | £29,970 | £30,270 | +1% |
| East Midlands | £29,370 | £29,610 | +0.8% |
| East of England | £39,870 | £40,440 | +1.4% |
| London (inner and outer London) | £67,410 | £67,770 | +0.5% |
| North east | £26,280 | £25,080 | −4.6% |
| north west | £32,160 | £31,830 | −1% |
| south east | £45,150 | £44,460 | −1.5% |
| south west | £37,980 | £38,520 | +1.4% |
| West Midlands | £31,350 | £30,990 | −1.2% |
| Yorkshire and Humberside | £27,810 | £28,500 | +2.5% |
Average monthly rental price month-on-month comparison (March 2026 – April 2026):
| Place | Average Monthly Rental Price – March 2026 | Average Monthly Rental Price – April 2026 | Percentage change (difference from March to April) |
| scotland | £1,123 | £1,167 | +3.9% |
| northern ireland | £887 | £920 | +3.7% |
| wales | £1,044 | £1,009 | −3.4% |
| East Midlands | £979 | £987 | +0.8% |
| East of England | £1,328 | £1,348 | +1.5% |
| London (inner and outer London) | £2193 | £2,259 | +3% |
| North east | £862 | £836 | −3% |
| north west | £1,089 | £1,061 | −2.6% |
| south east | £1495 | £1,482 | −0.9% |
| south west | £1309 | £1,284 | −1.9% |
| West Midlands | £1,040 | £1,033 | −0.7% |
| Yorkshire and Humberside | £945 | £950 | +0.5% |
Megan Eighteen, Chairman of ARLA Propertymark, commented: “The latest figures show a highly regional rental market, with some areas seeing monthly growth while others seeing mild improvements. This divergence reflects the ongoing imbalance between supply and demand in different parts of the UK, rather than a uniform national trend.
“While rental inflation has generally moderated compared to previous peaks, the most recent data highlights that conditions remain mixed, with rents in high-demand locations such as London and Scotland continuing under pressure, as well as rents softening or falling in parts of Wales and Northern England.
“Looking ahead, the market remains sensitive to macroeconomic conditions and emerging regulatory changes. With the Tenant Rights Act commencing across England in May 2026, the sector will also enter a period of transition as landlords and letting agents adapt to the new legislative framework. How this interacts with existing affordability pressures and supply dynamics will be a key factor to monitor in the coming months.
“Overall, affordability remains a major barrier for many households, and the direction of rents is likely to vary significantly by region rather than moving in a single national pattern.”