The latest HomeLet Rental Index shows that the average monthly rent across the UK rose to £1,382 in August 2026, up 0.9% from £1,369 in July.
Compared with August 2025, when the average was £1,328, this represents an annual increase of 4.1%.
Excluding London, the average rent for the rest of the country is now at £1,179, up 0.8% since July and 3.4% higher than in August 2025.
Greater London remains the UK’s most expensive rental market, with average rents now at £2,238 – 1.4% higher than last month and 5.1% up on a year ago.
Across the UK, most regions recorded further rises in August, with 10 out of 12 posting month-on-month growth.
Affordability is also being stretched, with tenants now spending an average of 32% of their income on rent, rising to 39.8% for those living in London.
Key Data from the August 2026 HomeLet Rental Index
• Average UK rent: £1,382 (+0.9% MoM, +4.1% YoY);
• UK excluding Greater London: £1,179 (+0.8% MoM, +3.4% YoY);
• Greater London: £2,238 (+1.4% MoM, +5.1% YoY).
Largest monthly changes:
• Northern Ireland: +2.4%
• South West: +2.3%
• Greater London: +1.4%
Strongest annual increases:
• South West: +5.2% YoY
• Greater London: +5.1% YoY
• Northern Ireland: +4.9% YoY
