Rents have increased for the first time in five months but remain 2.5% below October’s peak, a survey shows.

The HomeLet Rental Index shows average UK rents rose to £1,311 in March 2026, a 0.8% increase month‑on‑month from £1,301 in February. 

Rents are 1.8% higher than in March 2025, when the average was £1,288.

Excluding London’s data, average rents in the rest of the UK have gone up by £5 (0.4%) in the past month to £1,125 – this is 1.6% higher than in March 2025.

After four consecutive months of decreases, average rents in the capital have increased by 1.5% since February, to £2,097. 

This is a 1.7% increase since March 2025.

On a regional level, rents are generally rising, with eight regions seeing a monthly increase, and four seeing a decrease.

A HomeLet and Let Alliance spokesperson says: “March’s data shows the first clear uptick since October.

“We’re still experiencing a market where tenants must be conscious of price. 

“Affordability pressures haven’t eased, but both landlords and renters appear to be adjusting to a new normal, with smaller, more measured rent increases rather than the sharp rises we’ve seen in the past.

“As May 1 [implementation day for the Renters Rights Act] edges closer, the focus for agents and landlords should be on sustainable tenancies rather than stretching affordability to breaking point.

“Strong fraud prevention through our referencing process, together with Rent Guarantee insurance, remains vital in helping landlords maintain stable tenancies, safeguard their income, and mitigate risk.”

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Key Data from the March 2026 HomeLet Rental Index:

Average UK rent: £1,311 (+0.8% MoM, +1.8% YoY);

UK excluding Greater London: £1,125 (+0.4% MoM, +1.6% YoY);

Greater London: £2,097 (+1.5 % MoM, +1.8% YoY).

Largest monthly changes:

Greater London: +1.5%

Northern Ireland: +1.3%

South West: +1.1%

Strongest annual increases:

Northern Ireland: +4.9% YoY

Scotland: +3.6% YoY

North East: +3.2% YoY