Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Mortgage Strategy. Read the original article for full details.

ONS Reports 3.3% Rise in UK Private Rents, House Prices Up 2.7%

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported that average UK monthly private rents increased by 3.3% to £1,388 in the 12 months to June. Over the same period, average UK house prices rose by 2.7% to £271,000 in the 12 months to May.

The ONS data shows that the annual growth rate for private rents remained unchanged from the previous 12-month period to May 2026. Regionally, average rents increased by 3.4% to £1,446 in England, by 4.9% to £843 in Wales, and by 1.3% to £1,012 in Scotland in the 12 months to June. In Northern Ireland, average rents rose by 2.9% to £877 in the 12 months to April.

Within England, the North East recorded the highest annual private rent inflation at 6.3%, while London saw the lowest at 2.2% over the last 12 months.

For house prices, the ONS found that the annual growth rate slowed from 3.9% in the 12 months to April. The ONS attributed this slowdown to a base effect from a small monthly price rise in May 2026 and a large monthly rise in May 2025, following Stamp Duty Land Tax changes in England and Northern Ireland in April 2025.

Average house prices increased by 2.3% to £292,000 in England, by 4.2% to £215,000 in Wales, and by 4.4% to £196,000 in Scotland in the 12 months to May 2026. All figures are provisional estimates.

These trends are relevant for UK letting agents and inventory clerks, as they reflect ongoing changes in rental and property values across the country. The data highlights regional differences in rent and house price growth, which may impact rental yields, tenant demand, and property management strategies.