Rental affordability worsens in most UK regions – Propertymark

The Renters’ Rights Act has reshaped local rental markets across the UK as affordability pressures persist, according to new research.

Data from Propertymark’s rental price and average salary tracker for May shows that rents have continued to rise, alongside an increase in the salary needed to secure an average-priced rental home over the past year.

The news comes as the Renters’ Rights Act came into effect on 1 May 2026.

Imbalance between demand and supply

According to the findings, Scotland recorded the strongest monthly rental growth of any UK region, with average rents rising from £1,167 in April to £1,257 in May (+7.7%), pushing the typical salary required to secure a home to £37,710.

London average monthly costs increased from £2,259 to £2,307 (+2.1%), and the representative salary needed to rent reached £69,210.

Yorkshire and Humberside saw the largest annual increase in salary requirements, rising by 3.5% year-on-year to £29,280.

Megan Eighteen, President of ARLA Propertymark (Association of Residential Letting Agents), said: “May’s figures underline how localised rental market conditions have become across the UK.

“While average rents increased nationally during the month, much of that growth was driven by stronger-performing regions such as Scotland, London and parts of northern England, rather than a broad-based rise across all areas.”

She added: “The sharp increase recorded in Scotland highlights the continued imbalance between tenant demand and available rental stock, a challenge that remains evident in several high-pressure markets.

“At the same time, regions including the South East and East of England have seen modest improvements in affordability measures, demonstrating that market conditions are evolving differently across the country.”

Renters continue to face challenges

Ms Eighteen added: “The data also shows that affordability pressures remain a significant concern. In most regions, the salary needed to secure an average-priced rental home has increased over the past year, with particularly notable rises in Yorkshire and Humberside, the North East and Scotland.

“This suggests that many renters continue to face challenges keeping pace with housing costs despite wider signs of rental growth moderating compared with previous years.

“As the sector adjusts to the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act and wider economic conditions continue to influence landlord and tenant behaviour, regional supply levels will remain a key factor shaping rental trends over the remainder of 2026.

“Monitoring these local differences will be essential to understanding how affordability and access to housing develop in the months ahead.”

However, the data also shows some positives, with the South East and East of England among the few regions to see annual affordability improve as the salary required to rent fell by 1.8% and 0.9% respectively. The average salary needed to rent stands at £40,500 in the East of England and £45,480 in the South East.