Rising Rent Costs Across Britain
Renters in Britain are now paying an average of at least £1,000 per month for new tenancies in more than half of the country's neighbourhoods, according to data shared with the BBC.
In 2020, only 23% of local authority areas in Britain had average rents exceeding £1,000, but five years later, this figure has increased to 52%, based on research from property portal Zoopla.
While average wages have also risen during this period, many tenants report that renting has become unaffordable.
Landlords have indicated that cost pressures may continue, although Zoopla's data suggests that rent increases have slowed significantly.
An interactive graphic illustrates the expansion of areas where average rents exceed £1,000 per month, primarily spreading outward from London.
The average rent figures are nominal and do not take inflation into account.
Users can utilize the tool to observe how the cost of privately rented homes has changed in their council area across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Rent Inflation and Its Impact
The cost of renting surged following the easing of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. Zoopla estimates a 36% increase in average rents between 2020 and 2025, exacerbating the cost-of-living challenges for individuals who prefer to rent or cannot afford to purchase a home.
According to the data, average rents exceeding £1,000 per month have become commonplace rather than exceptional in southern England and major cities.
Although rent inflation is now moderating, it remains a significant issue in some areas experiencing a shortage of available rental properties.
Tenant Experiences: Case of Dumfries and Galloway
Nurse Victoria Fear, 51, contacted the BBC's Your Voice to describe the rental situation in Dumfries and Galloway, where available rental properties are extremely limited.
Her landlord has informed her that the rent for the home she has occupied for eight years will increase from £950 to £1,300 per month.
"All my money goes on rent, bills and food," she said. "We've not had a holiday in years."
Temporary rent controls introduced in Scotland during the Covid pandemic expired in April 2025. New long-term measures will enable ministers to designate specific parts of the country as rent control areas by 2027.
Victoria expressed understanding of her landlord's position but emphasized the difficulty she faces as a single mother of three with a single income.
"I don't have an issue with market-value rent, but it is not an affordable proposition," she said.
With two of her children preparing for exams, she acknowledged the need to find a way to manage the increased costs.
Changing Demographics in the Rental Market
High rents have led to changes in the rental market demographics, with people moving into flat shares later in life and remaining in them longer, according to Spareroom.com.
The website reports that renters under 25 now constitute just over a quarter (26%) of the flat share market, down from nearly a third (32%) a decade ago.
Conversely, renters aged 45 and over now represent 16% of the market, up from 10% in 2015, resulting in more multi-generational house shares.
Outlook for Renters and Landlords
There is some positive news for renters as cost pressures for new tenancies have begun to ease, according to Zoopla's data.
Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, stated:
"While renting has become more expensive and is an important cost for household budgets, the market is shifting in renters' favour. Cost-of-living pressures from rent are easing rather than intensifying."
However, Chris Norris, chief policy officer at the National Residential Landlords' Association (NRLA), highlighted ongoing cost pressures faced by landlords that may lead to rent increases.
He noted that some landlords are adding 4% to 5% to rents to "future-proof" them in response to changing tenancy regulations under the Renters' Rights Act in England.
Many landlords with older properties are investing in improved energy efficiency to comply with new regulations. Additionally, they face an increase in income tax on rental income starting in 2027.
Interactive by Jess Carr and Tommy Lumby
