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

SpareRoom Data Shows UK Renters Paying Over Half Their Income on Rent

A recent survey by SpareRoom has found that 37.8% of UK flatsharers are spending more than half their income on rent, excluding bills. The data also shows that average asking rents continue to exceed renter budgets in many major UK cities.

According to SpareRoom, only 15.3% of renters spend less than 30% of their income on rent. The gap between what renters can afford and the rents being advertised has persisted across the UK since the end of 2022.

In the second quarter of 2026, average asking rents were higher than average renter budgets in about half of the 35 major cities analysed by SpareRoom. Edinburgh had the largest affordability gap, with the average flatsharer budget at £748 per month and average room rent at £834, leaving renters £86 short each month. York and Derby also reported significant gaps, with average rents exceeding budgets by £51 per month in both cities.

Other cities where rents outstripped budgets included Belfast, Glasgow, Cardiff, Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester, and Portsmouth. The data highlights ongoing affordability pressures for renters in these areas.

SpareRoom’s July 2026 survey also revealed that almost a third (32%) of UK renters had been forced to move in the previous year because their rent was no longer affordable.

The ten UK cities with the largest affordability gaps between average budgets and average rents in Q2 2026 were:

1. Edinburgh: £86 monthly gap (£1,028 annually)
2. York: £51 monthly gap (£611 annually)
3. Derby: £51 monthly gap (£607 annually)
4. Belfast: £38 monthly gap (£456 annually)
5. Glasgow: £36 monthly gap (£429 annually)
6. Cardiff: £35 monthly gap (£421 annually)
7. Birmingham: £29 monthly gap (£346 annually)
8. Coventry: £26 monthly gap (£307 annually)
9. Leicester: £25 monthly gap (£306 annually)
10. Portsmouth: £25 monthly gap (£304 annually)

The findings are relevant for letting agents and inventory clerks, as ongoing affordability issues may impact tenant turnover and demand for rental properties in affected cities.