Soaring rent prices reach a six-month peak, according to recent findings
Rising Rents in England: A Look at the Current Landscape
The rental market in England has seen significant changes in recent years, with average rent costs increasing steadily since the pandemic. According to the latest data from Goodlord's rental index, the average monthly rent across England has reached approximately £1,399, marking an increase of around 21% over the last three years.
Key Current Average Rent Figures (2025):
London remains the most expensive city to rent in the UK, with an average monthly rent of about £2,101. Oxford, Brighton, and Cambridge follow closely, with average rents of around £1,747, £1,640, and £1,600 respectively. More affordable northern areas such as Burnley (£625), Hull (£652), and Grimsby (£656) have much lower average rents.
Year-on-Year and Since Pandemic Changes:
From 2022 to 2025, some regions saw dramatic rises; for instance, Rochdale experienced a 34.3% increase, with the average rent rising from £668 to £897. Overall, rents rose by about £221 per month in three years, representing a 21% increase, significantly outstripping inflation.
The UK-wide average rent increased by around 6.7% in England from June 2024 to June 2025, continuing a trend of rising rental costs driven by strong demand and limited supply. Across Europe, rent growth from 2020 to 2025 averaged 12.5%, indicating England’s rental market has seen above-average growth compared to other regions.
Projected Trends:
Rental prices in the UK, including England, are forecasted to grow further by nearly 18% cumulatively by 2029, with an anticipated strong rise of about 8% in 2024 alone. This significant growth is fueled by factors such as housing affordability issues, mortgage rates, and constrained rental housing supply, suggesting rent costs will continue to escalate regionally albeit unevenly.
Summary Table of Selected Areas (2025):
| Region/City | Avg. Monthly Rent (£) | Approx. % Increase Since 2022/2020 | |----------------|----------------------|----------------------------------| | London | 2,101 | Significant, over 20% in recent years | | Oxford | 1,747 | High, aligned with London’s trend | | Brighton | 1,640 | Rising rental market | | Cambridge | 1,600 | Rising | | Rochdale | 897 | +34.3% (from 2022 to 2025) | | Burnley | 625 | Lower baseline, slower growth | | Hull | 652 | Lower baseline, slower growth | | Grimsby | 656 | Lower baseline, slower growth | | England (avg.) | 1,399 | +6.7% year-on-year (2024-2025) |
In conclusion, rents in England have been rising steadily since the pandemic, with metropolitan areas like London and university cities commanding the highest prices, while northern and smaller towns remain more affordable but still see significant growth. Projections indicate this trend will continue with notable rent inflation expected through the rest of the decade.
Some notable changes include the West Midlands experiencing the biggest month-on-month change in rent costs, with a rise of 4%. Rent costs in the UK have reached their highest level since October 2023, with an average of £1,183 per month. Rental averages broke the £1,350 per month barrier for the first time in the summer of 2023.
The biggest shift in void periods was experienced in Greater London and the East Midlands, both areas saw a 20% increase. There are some signs of pressures easing in the rental market, as seen in the void figures. However, the Scottish housing bill could create new rent control areas, which may impact the rental market in Scotland.
While the hiked up rent prices, although not ideal for people's budgets, are welcomed by landlords, the rental market is showing signs of improvement, according to the latest data from Goodlord's rental index. Rents have increased by 28% in England since March 2020.
Financing for housing businesses has become increasingly competitive due to the rising rent in England, with investors seeking higher returns in response to the market's growth. The continual increase in rent prices is causing a strain on individuals' finances, particularly in metropolitan areas such as London, Oxford, Brighton, and Cambridge.
The above-average growth in England's rental market compared to other regions across Europe and the projected trend of further growth over the next few years is causing concern for those struggling with housing affordability issues. This growth could potentially be fueled by factors like mortgage rates, constrained rental housing supply, and housing affordability problems, suggesting the need for policy interventions to address these concerns and protect consumers.
