STORY
Average private rents across the United Kingdom increased by 3.8 per cent over the year to August, the fastest annual rise recorded during 2026. The rate accelerated slightly from 3.7 per cent in July, according to figures reported by the Office for National Statistics.
Rent increases varied considerably between different parts of the country. Annual growth reached 5.8 per cent in the North East and North West of England, while London continued to have the country’s highest average rental costs.
House price growth moved in the opposite direction, slowing from 1.5 per cent in June to 1.4 per cent in July. London prices fell by 3.3 per cent over the year, marking an eleventh consecutive annual decline in the capital despite rents continuing to rise. The latest estimates remain provisional and may be revised.