New research from Zoopla shows that over half (52%) of local authorities across Britain now have average rents of over £1,000 pcm.
This is up from less than a quarter of local authorities (23%) in 2020.
However despite this, rents for new tenancies rising at their lowest level for four years, and up just 1.9% in the year to November 2025.
There are 14% more homes for rent compared to a year ago, largely driven by a decline in international migration for work and study, and improved conditions for first-time buyers who typically leave the rental market when they purchase their first home.
Number of areas where average rents >£1000 per month and % of region/country
| Region/country | Number 2020 | Number 2025 | % areas 2020 | % areas 2025 |
| London | 33 | 33 | 100% | 100% |
| South East | 32 | 63 | 50% | 98% |
| Eastern | 14 | 36 | 31% | 80% |
| South West | 2 | 18 | 8% | 69% |
| West Midlands | 0 | 8 | 0% | 27% |
| Scotland | 0 | 6 | 0% | 21% |
| East Midlands | 0 | 6 | 0% | 17% |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | 0 | 2 | 0% | 13% |
| Wales | 0 | 3 | 0% | 14% |
| North West | 0 | 4 | 0% | 11% |
| North East | 0 | 1 | 0% | 8% |
| Total | 81 | 180 | 23% | 52% |
Source: Zoopla, data as at November each year
Although pressure is easing in the rental market, affordability remains stretched.
Many households are still paying historically high rents, especially in southern England and major cities, where £1,000+ pcm is now the norm rather than the exception.
Local authorities that have recently tipped over the £1,000pcm include the City of Nottingham (£1,015pcm), Leeds (£1,013pcm), Thanet (£1,017pcm), East Devon (£1,032pcm) and Stirling in Scotland (£1,040pcm).
However due to the slowdown in rental growth for new tenancies, renters now have more choice and slightly more bargaining power, meaning it may be easier to negotiate or move.
