Scotland recorded the strongest rental growth of any UK nation or region with average rents rising by 7.7% from April to May, new figures show.

Propertymark found the average rent in Scotland reached £1,257, pushing the average salary required to secure a home to £37,710.

The North East recorded the second-highest monthly growth at 4.9%, but average rents were much lower at £877, requiring an average salary of £26,310.

In Yorkshire and Humberside, rents were up by 2.7% to £976 and the region also saw saw the largest annual increase in salary requirements, rising by 3.5% year on year to £29,280.

In London, average rents increased by 2.1% to £2,307 and the average salary required to afford this reached £69,210.

The South East and East of England were among the few regions to see a slight improvement in affordability year on year, with the salary requirements dipping by 1.8% to £44,640 and by 0.9% to £40,140 respectively, alongside relatively stable rental prices.

Association of Residential Letting Agents (Arla) Propertymark president Megan Eighteen says: “May’s figures underline how localised rental market conditions have become across the UK. 

“While average rents increased nationally during the month, much of that growth was driven by stronger-performing regions such as Scotland, London and parts of northern England, rather than a broad-based rise across all areas.

“The sharp increase recorded in Scotland highlights the continued imbalance between tenant demand and available rental stock, a challenge that remains evident in several high-pressure markets.

“At the same time, regions including the South East and East of England have seen modest improvements in affordability measures, demonstrating that market conditions are evolving differently across the country.

“The data also shows that affordability pressures remain a significant concern.

“In most regions, the salary needed to secure an average-priced rental home has increased over the past year, with particularly notable rises in Yorkshire and Humberside, the North East and Scotland. 

“This suggests that many renters continue to face challenges keeping pace with housing costs despite wider signs of rental growth moderating compared with previous years.”