Regional rent disparities across the UK have become more pronounced, with some areas experiencing significant increases while others face declines. Recent data from Propertymark highlights these divergent trends in rental prices and the corresponding salary requirements to secure average-priced homes as of April 2026.

Significant Rent Increases in Scotland, Northern Ireland and London

Scotland saw one of the largest monthly rent rises, with average rents climbing from £1,123 in March to £1,167 in April, marking a 3.9% increase. Northern Ireland followed closely, with rents rising from £887 to £920, up 3.7% month on month. Interestingly, the annual salary needed to rent an average-priced home in Northern Ireland decreased by 2.4%, falling from £28,290 in April 2025 to £27,600 in 2026.

London also recorded a rebound in rents after a previous dip, with average rents increasing from £2,193 in March to £2,259 in April. The typical salary required to secure an average-priced home in the capital rose slightly to £67,770, compared with £67,410 a year earlier.

Regions Experiencing Rent Declines

In contrast, Wales experienced a 3.4% monthly fall in rents, dropping from £1,044 in March to £1,009 in April. Northern England also saw reductions, with the North East’s rents falling 3% from £862 to £836 and the North West decreasing by 2.6% from £1,089 to £1,061.

The South East and South West regions reported modest declines as well, with rents slipping 0.9% and 1.9% respectively. The West Midlands saw a slight fall of 0.7%, from £1,040 to £1,033.

Areas with Moderate Rent Growth

Some regions bucked the downward trend, including the East of England, where rents rose 1.5% from £1,328 to £1,348, and the East Midlands, which increased by 0.8% from £979 to £987. Yorkshire and Humberside saw a small rise of 0.5%, with rents edging up from £945 to £950.

Salary Requirements Reflect Regional Variations

Year on year, Yorkshire and Humberside experienced the largest increase in the salary needed to rent an average-priced home, rising 2.5% from £27,810 in April 2025 to £28,500 in April 2026. The East of England and South West both recorded 1.4% annual increases, while Scotland’s salary requirement rose by 1.1%. Wales and the East Midlands saw smaller increases of 1% and 0.8% respectively.

Conversely, the North East experienced the sharpest annual fall in salary requirements, dropping 4.6% from £26,280 to £25,080. The South East, West Midlands, and North West also saw decreases of 1.5%, 1.2%, and 1% respectively.

Big Regional Differences

Megan Eighteen, president of ARLA Propertymark, commented on the data: “The latest figures continue to show a highly regionalised rental market, with some areas experiencing noticeable monthly growth while others are seeing mild corrections.” She explained that these differences stem from “ongoing imbalances between supply and demand across different parts of the UK, rather than a uniform national trend.”

She added, “While rental inflation has generally moderated compared with previous peaks, the most recent data highlights that conditions remain mixed, with continued pressure in higher-demand locations such as London and Scotland, alongside softer or declining rents in parts of Wales and northern England.” Eighteen also noted that the market remains sensitive to broader economic conditions and evolving regulatory changes.

What this means for landlords

These regional disparities suggest landlords should carefully consider local market conditions when setting rents or planning investments. In high-demand areas like London and Scotland, there remains potential for rental growth, but landlords must remain mindful of economic shifts and regulatory developments that could impact tenant demand and affordability.

Conversely, landlords in regions experiencing rent declines or modest growth may need to adjust expectations and strategies to maintain occupancy and income levels. Understanding these nuanced market dynamics can help landlords and agents navigate the evolving rental landscape effectively.

Source: Based on reporting from Property118

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