London leads July’s UK rent growth

Average rents across the UK rose to £1,369 a month in July, up 1.2% from £1,353 in June, according to the latest HomeLet figures.

The average was 4.3% higher than the £1,313 recorded in July last year.

Excluding Greater London, rents reached £1,170, a rise of 1.1% from June and 3.4% over the year.

London remained the most expensive region at £2,207 a month following a 1.2% monthly increase and 6% annual growth.

Strong tenant demand

The firm’s head of sales, Mike Dawson, said: “This month’s data reinforces the picture of a market where demand for good quality rental homes remains consistently strong.

“Rents are still nudging upwards in most regions, with London and the Midlands showing particularly notable annual growth.”

He added: “The HomeLet Rental Index gives agents and landlords an accurate view of achieved rents rather than asking prices, which is crucial when decisions need to be made quickly and confidently.”

Regional rent rises

Rents increased month on month in 11 of the 12 regions covered by the index during July.

Scotland recorded the largest movement at 2.6%, followed by the South East at 1.4%.

The North East and North West each posted monthly rises of 1.3%.

Northern Ireland was the only region to record a fall, with the average slipping 0.5% from June.

Annual growth leaders

Greater London recorded the strongest annual increase at 6%, compared with 5% in the June index.

The East Midlands followed with growth of 4.7%, while Scotland recorded a 4.1% rise.

North East rents were 4% higher than in July 2025.

The UK-wide annual increase accelerated from 3.4% in June to 4.3% in July.