Average rents fell nationally for the first time in eight years in May 2017 says Homelet

June 6, 2017

Homelet Rental Index report – May 2017 data published today headlines ‘UK rents fall for the first time in eight years’.

Rents in the UK fell by 0.3% in May compared to the same month a year ago, the average monthly rent now stands at £901. Rents in London fell by 3.0% in May compared to May 2016, the most substantial fall for 8 years.

Commenting on the research, HomeLet’s Chief Executive Officer, Martin Totty said:

“May 2017 saw average rents nationally fall for the first time in eight years when the economy had suffered the shock of the financial crisis. HomeLet rental data suggests landlords are now facing a difficult balancing act between ensuring rents are affordable for tenants in a low real wage growth environment whilst covering their own rising costs.

“Tenants will still need a vibrant and growing rented sector to provide them with property options at the time of their choosing. Any constraint to the supply of rental properties, because landlords are unable to achieve the reasonable returns they require, cannot be in the long term best interests of tenants, especially if, as we’ve now heard from all the main political parties, the UK’s population continues to grow.”

Read the Homelet Rental Index report – May 2017 data in full click here.

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

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