Average UK monthly private rents increased by 5.0%, to £1,360, in the 12 months to October 2025, official figures reveals.
The provisional estimate shows that the annual growth rate is down from 5.5% in the 12 months to September 2025.
Average rents in England increased by 5.0% to £1,416, in Wales they climbed by 6.7% to £817 and in Scotland they went up by 3.4% to £1,008.
In Northern Ireland, average rents increased by 6.6% to £866 in the 12 months to August 2025.
In England, private rents annual inflation was highest in the North East at 8.9% and lowest in Yorkshire and The Humber at 3.8%, in the 12 months to October 2025.
Commenting on the latest data, former RICS residential chairman Jeremy Leaf says: “Rents are softening a little, particularly for affordability reasons, and would have drifted even lower as far as we are concerned if it wasn’t for the lack of stock supporting values.”
“More landlords are either selling or considering a sale now the Renters’ Rights Act is becoming closer to reality, with continuing cost, regulatory and potential Budget pressures.”
Meanwhile, Paragon Bank managing director of mortgages Louisa Sedgwick comments: “Rental inflation may be easing, but that doesn’t mean pressure in the private rented sector has disappeared. Many tenants still face high rents, and the underlying structural issue remains unchanged, with demand continuing to outstrip supply.”
“Boosting the number of homes available to tenants is crucial and to achieve that means creating an environment where investment in the sector is not only viable but encouraged.”
“While positive for the sector, the recent progression of the Renters’ Rights Act brings into focus the need to strike the right balance between tenant protections and the long-term sustainability of the sector.”
“As we look ahead to the Budget, this is an opportunity for Government to demonstrate that it values the role of responsible landlords in providing the homes that millions rely on. A stable regulatory and economic framework is critical if we are to reverse the ongoing imbalance between rental demand and supply.”
Elsewhere, Propertymark chief executive Nathan Emerson adds: “An increase in rental prices highlights the continuing pressures faced by the private rented sector. While rising rents may reflect strong demand and limited supply, they also intensify the affordability challenges many tenants are already experiencing.”
“Letting agents and landlords will need to navigate these conditions carefully, ensuring any increases remain fair and sustainable.”
“Policymakers must recognise that persistent rental inflation points to a system struggling to meet demand and respond with measures that encourage more homes into the sector rather than driving landlords out.”
