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ONS: Average UK Rent Rises 3.5% in Past Year to £1,381

The average monthly private rent in the UK reached £1,381 in April 2026, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This figure is £46, or 3.5%, higher than the same month last year.

Propertymark chief executive Nathan Emerson commented that the figures highlight a continued imbalance between tenant demand and the supply of rental homes. Emerson noted that, while inflation has eased compared to the previous month, rents are still rising due to constrained supply in many local markets. He reported that agents continue to see strong competition for good-quality rental homes, especially family properties and those near transport links and employment hubs. Emerson also stated that many landlords are considering rising costs, taxation, and regulation, which is limiting the number of homes entering the market.

Paragon Bank managing director of mortgages Louisa Sedgwick said that rent inflation has historically tracked wage inflation, and this relationship has stabilised over the past year. Sedgwick noted that the conflict in Iran is contributing to further inflationary pressure in the economy, which may affect the rental market in the coming months. She stated that 72% of landlords planning to increase rent in the next year will do so due to rising operating costs, with six in ten citing a higher tax burden following the 2025 Autumn Budget. Sedgwick also pointed out that less than 40% of rental properties are mortgaged, and most of those have fixed-rate mortgages, so rising mortgage rates are unlikely to impact the broader rental sector significantly.

Hampshire Trust Bank managing director, specialist mortgages & bridging finance, Alex Upton, said that landlord strategies are changing, with fewer landlords expanding portfolios for growth. Upton noted that the Renters’ Rights Act is influencing long-term investment decisions, and investors are focusing on properties with resilient income. Some landlords are reducing exposure where higher borrowing costs and tighter regulation have changed the economics, while experienced investors are showing more interest in HMOs, mixed-use assets, and properties with potential to strengthen income over time.