Cigarettes, cars and uni fees – the only things to outstrip rental growth this Millennium

Rental price growth has outstripped many of life’s day-to-day costs, like bread, eggs and fuel, research from online letting agent Howsy has revealed.

The cost of renting a property in England has increased from an average price of £344 in the year 2000 to £858 in 2019, a 150% increase in just shy of 20 years.

In comparison, the cost of milk has risen by just 29% to 44p per pint over the same time period.

Similarly, eggs per dozen are 42% more expensive, fuel per litre has risen by 59% to £1.27, while McDonald’s Big Macs have risen by 63% to £3.09.

The average price of draught beer per pint has increased by 82% to £3.64.

Bread (per white loaf sliced) has seen a significant price increase of 104% to £1.06, though it’s still less of a hike than with the private rental sector.

Cigarettes and cars outstrip rental growth

While the cost of renting has risen significantly, it’s still been hiked by a lower percentage than cigarettes. A pack of 20 is now 162% more expensive than in 2000, costing £10.23, up from £3.91.

Buying a brand new car is now 163% more pricey, rising from £12,780 in 2000 in £33,559 in 2019.

Trumping all these costs is university tuition fees per year, which thanks to government measures are 825% more expensive than in 2000, rising from £1,000 to £9,250.

Founder and CEO of Howsy, Calum Brannan, commented:

“It will come as little surprise that rents have risen at a faster rate than many of life’s other essential outgoing costs since the turn of the Millennium.

“This is largely due to the ever-increasing levels of tenant demand within the sector and a stagnant level of homes to accommodate this demand, which has resulted in a substantial hike in the cost of renting.

As a result, people are now spending a greater proportion of their income on rent when compared to other essentials like food or fuel. If you rent, smoke, went to university and need a car, then you’re really up against it financially.”

Item
Average price 2000
Current average price
Change (2000 to 2019) (%)
Sources
Uni tuition fees (upper limit per year)
£1,000
£9,250
825%
New Car
£12,780
£33,559
163%
Cigarettes (20)
£3.91
£10.23
162%
Private Rent per month (England)
£344
£858
150%
Bread (white loaf sliced)
£0.52
£1.06
104%
Draught beer per pint
£2.00
£3.64
82%
Cinema ticket
£4.40
£7.22
64%
McDonald’s Big Mac
£1.90
£3.09
63%
Sausages (pork per kg)
£3.07
£4.96
62%
Fuel per litre (unleaded petrol)
£0.80
£1.27
59%
Cheese cheddar type per kg
£5.05
£7.28
44%
Eggs per dozen
£1.38
£1.96
42%
Milk (per pint)
£0.34
£0.44
29%

Properganda PR

National and local media coverage for property businesses. Journo quotes delivered in minutes.

You May Also Enjoy

LIVING BY THE SEASIDE 2022
Overseas Property

Brits continue to chase Spanish sunshine

The latest data insight from Enness Global has revealed that British interest in buying property in Spain continues to strengthen, despite growing political pressure from the Spanish government to restrict overseas buyers and curb foreign investment in the housing market. Enness Global analysed Google search trend data across the UK, tracking search activity related to…
Read More
Breaking News

Property finance expert reveals the five renovations that could devalue your home

Expert warns that not all home improvements add value Over-personalisation is one of the biggest risks Renovation mistakes could shave THOUSANDS off final sale price Homeowners can spend tens-of-thousands of pounds on renovating their home, but not always make that back on the sale price. In some cases, renovations can seriously reduce a property’s appeal…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Urban housing mix forces estate agents to work harder

The latest market analysis from eXp UK has revealed that estate agents operating in more urban, built-up markets are often required to work significantly harder to generate comparable earnings, due to the dominance of flats within city housing stock and the far lower commission secured per sale when compared to detached homes. eXp UK analysed…
Read More
Breaking News

Property compliance experts urge landlords not to ignore major tenancy changes under Renters’ Rights Act

Beresfords property group highlights key actions landlords must take as new tenancy rules, enforcement powers and energy standards approach. UK landlords are being warned not to overlook major changes to tenancy agreements and compliance requirements, as the Government moves closer to implementing the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. Following the publication of draft secondary legislation, the…
Read More
Breaking News

Nationwide becoming first lender to allow mortgage deeds to be signed digitally

Mary-Lou Press, President of NAEA Propertymark (National Association of Estate Agents), comments: “The conveyancing process remains one of the most common sources of frustration for buyers and sellers, with more than 30 per cent of housing transactions taking over 17 weeks to complete on average. These prolonged timescales only serve to increase pressure and uncertainty…
Read More
Breaking News

Fruitful year ahead for aspiring first-time buyers

First-time buyers and those with little equity to refinance will find greater mortgage choice. During January, there was an uplift in higher LTV deals, with 90% LTV options at a record-high, plus a boost to 95% LTV deals, which are at their highest count since March 2008. The electronic monitoring of LTV choice at Moneyfacts…
Read More