Rents rising this year and beyond – two new analyses
Summary
Two rental market analyses indicate that UK rents are continuing to rise, with HomeLet reporting annual growth of 4.1% in August 2026 and Zoopla pointing to tightening supply and stronger demand. The data suggests further rent increases are likely over the coming months, with London remaining the most expensive and one of the fastest-growing markets.
Why it matters
Rental market conditions affect valuation assumptions, affordability assessments and landlord/tenant dynamics that surveyors may encounter in residential work. The reported tightening of supply and rising rents may also influence investment decisions, portfolio appraisals and advice on local market conditions.
Key points
- HomeLet reports average UK rent at £1,382 in August 2026, up 4.1% year on year.
- Greater London remains the highest-rent market at £2,238 per month.
- Zoopla says rental supply has fallen and enquiries per listing have risen to 5.3, the highest in almost two years.
- Rents are expected to keep climbing, with growth forecast to reach 4% to 5% by year end.
- The article links higher rental inflation to supply constraints rather than solely to the Renters Rights Act in England.
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