ONS: UK Private Rents Rise 3.5% Amid Cost of Living Pressures
Lettings

ONS: UK Private Rents Rise 3.5% Amid Cost of Living Pressures

By Jordan Hale, Senior Lettings Editor · 14 August 2026 · 1 min read

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

ONS Reports 3.5% Annual Rise in UK Private Rents

UK private rents rose by 3.5% in the year to April, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The average monthly private rent across the UK reached £1,381 in April, an increase of £46 compared to the same period last year.

The ONS figures show regional differences in average rents. In England, the average monthly rent was £1,438. In Wales, the average stood at £834, while in Scotland, it reached £1,019.

Letting agents and inventory clerks may note that, despite the annual increase, the report highlights that cost of living pressures are influencing the pace of rent rises. The data provides a snapshot of current rental trends across the UK, which may impact letting agency operations and property management decisions.


Source: Letting Agent Today
About the author
Jordan Hale
Senior Lettings Editor

Jordan Hale leads The Property AI's lettings coverage with a focus on UK rental legislation, agent compliance, and the day-to-day pressures facing letting agents. Articles bylined Jordan Hale combine current trade reporting with practical guidance for letting agents and inventory…

Specialises in: Renters' Rights Act, EPC regulations, tenancy deposit schemes, agent licensing, Right to Rent compliance.

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