US renters flock to Britain in search of cheaper rents

More American renters are moving to the UK for cheaper rents since President Trump took office, according to new research.

Goodlord analysed more than 300,000 tenancy agreements signed over the past two years, comparing the findings with data from 2023 and 2024.

Goodlord claims a combination of President Trump’s controversial political agenda and the opportunity to swap expensive US cities for comparatively cheaper rents in the UK has encouraged more Americans to make the move.

Scotland sees surge in American renters

According to the data, since the President began his second term 18 months ago, there has been a 32% increase in the number of Americans signing tenancy agreements on this side of the Atlantic.

Scotland, home to President Trump’s International golf course, leads the way, with a 63% increase in the number of US citizens signing tenancies between January 2025 and June 2026, compared with the previous 18 months.

That stands in stark contrast to the US, where the median monthly rent for an apartment in Manhattan reached $5,000 (£3,766) earlier this year.

By comparison, American renters in Scotland are paying an average of £1,711 ($2,256) a month.

The second most popular region for US citizens looking to cross the Atlantic is the North West of England, which recorded a 60% rise in the number of American renters signing tenancy agreements.

Comparatively low rents on this side of the Atlantic

William Reeve, CEO at Goodlord, said: “These figures give further weight to claims that volatility in US politics is driving many Americans to seek a new home in the UK. But while the President’s controversial policy agenda will be the key push factor for some, comparatively low rents on this side of the Atlantic also appear to make the UK a more attractive place to rent.

“Though the UK’s lower salaries may initially come as a shock to young professionals crossing the pond, cheaper rents in British cities seem to soften the blow, convincing many to make the switch.”

The figures also reveal there’s been a 29% increase in US citizens renting across Greater London since the beginning of Trump’s second term.

Every region across Great Britain has seen an increase in tenancies taken out by US renters over the last 18 months, with the smallest rise recorded in the North East of England, which saw an increase of 2%.