Regional Differences in Rental Price Movements

According to the latest data from ARLA Propertymark, average monthly rents across the UK moved in different directions during February 2026. The East Midlands recorded the strongest monthly increase, with rents rising by 3.4% from January to February, reaching an average of £1,027. The North West followed with a 2.8% rise to £1,102, while Scotland saw a 2.7% increase, pushing average rents to £1,070.

Other regions also experienced growth: the South East rents increased by 2% to £1,521, London saw a smaller 1% rise to £2,226, and the North East recorded a 1.6% uplift to £908. Wales and the South West had modest increases of 0.6% and 0.7% respectively.

Conversely, some areas faced rent reductions. Northern Ireland experienced the sharpest monthly drop with a 6.6% fall from £913 to £853. The West Midlands saw rents decline by 1.3% to £1,040, while the East of England and Yorkshire and Humberside recorded slight decreases of 0.3% and 0.1% respectively.

Market Recalibration Amid Affordability Pressures

ARLA Propertymark’s president, Megan Eighteen, commented on the data, stating: “February’s data reflects a more varied rental landscape than we saw earlier in the winter, with a number of regions recording modest month-on-month rent increases.” She added that despite monthly fluctuations, the annual salary required to secure a rental property has generally increased year on year, indicating that affordability pressures remain structurally embedded.

“Overall, the data suggests a market that is recalibrating rather than correcting sharply,” Eighteen said, highlighting that the private rented sector is adjusting to changing conditions rather than experiencing a sudden shift.

Salary Requirements to Secure Rental Properties

The analysis also examined how much tenants need to earn to afford average rents in each region. Scotland recorded the largest year-on-year salary increase, rising 5.9% from £30,300 to £32,100. The North West saw a 5% rise to £33,060, while Wales increased by 3.7% to £31,290. The West Midlands salary requirement grew by 2.5%, reaching £31,200.

Other regions with salary increases included the North East (1.9% to £27,240), Yorkshire and Humberside (1.8% to £28,620), and the East Midlands (1.7% to £30,810). The South West and Northern Ireland saw smaller rises of 0.7% and 0.5% respectively. The East of England and South East both recorded a 0.2% increase, with salary requirements at £39,720 and £45,630.

London was the only region where the typical salary needed to secure the average rental property fell, declining by 2.2% from £68,280 to £66,780.

What This Means for Landlords and Letting Agents

The regional disparities in rent changes and salary requirements suggest landlords and letting agents should closely monitor local market conditions rather than relying on national averages. Areas with rising rents and salary thresholds may continue to see demand from tenants able to afford higher rents, while regions with falling rents could face increased competition or pressure to adjust pricing strategies.

Understanding these regional dynamics is crucial for effective portfolio management and tenant engagement, particularly as affordability remains a key concern for many renters.

Suggested internal link anchors

• average monthly rents
• East Midlands rental market
• North West rent increases
• affordability pressures
• private rented sector trends
• salary requirements for tenants
• regional rental price changes
• London rental market
• letting agents advice
• landlord rental strategies

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/