Average UK monthly private rent inflation continued to slow, increasing by 3.3%, to £1,383, in the 12 months to May 2026 (provisional estimate); this annual growth rate is down from 3.5% in the 12 months to April 2026.
This is according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS)
Commenting on the latest figures, north London estate agent and former RICS residential chairman Jeremy Leaf said: “Often we have found on the ground that lettings activity and rents are in inverse proportion to sales. This time around though, while sales are rather subdued, lettings are also still sluggish.
“A significant proportion of landlords are selling due to concerns about the Renters’ Rights Act which is still underpinning rents but worries about the cost of living have kept a lid on any further increases.
He added: “Looking forward we don’t expect to see much change but if inflation continues to level, then a modest increase in rents is probably unstoppable.”
Zoopla executive director of research Richard Donnell said: “The boom in rents is over and the pace of rent increases is slowing on a weaker labour market and a big drop in migration into the UK. A period of more sustainable growth in rents will be welcome news for renters while providing continued growth in income for landlords to offset higher costs of doing business.”
