Private rent and house prices, UK: October 2026
- Average UK monthly private rent increased by 3.8%, to £1,406, in the 12 months to September 2026 (provisional estimate); this annual growth rate is unchanged from the 12 months to August 2026.
- Average rents increased to £1,466 (4.0%) in England, £848 (4.1%) in Wales, and £1,011 (0.7%) in Scotland, in the 12 months to September 2026.
- In Northern Ireland, average rents increased to £879 (1.7%), in the 12 months to July 2026.
- In England, private rent annual inflation was highest in the North West (5.7%), and lowest in London and the South East (both 3.5%), in the 12 months to September 2026.
- Average UK house prices increased by 0.9%, to £273,000, in the 12 months to August 2026 (provisional estimate); this annual growth rate is down from 1.2% in the 12 months to July 2026.
- Average house prices increased to £294,000 (0.4%) in England, £216,000 (3.1%) in Wales, and £198,000 (2.9%) in Scotland, in the 12 months to August 2026.
- The lowest annual inflation of English regions was in London (negative 2.2% in the 12 months to August 2026), driven by large falls in the average price of flats, which account for approximately half of sales in London.
Commenting on house prices, Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, comments:
“It is positive to see the housing market showing resilience as autumn begins. It has been a challenging year for buyers facing affordability pressures, particularly amid rising energy and fuel costs, but house prices continue to demonstrate resilience across many regions.
“With the upcoming Budget only weeks away, attention is turning to what measures the UK Government may announce to support the housing market. Any changes could influence the decisions of those considering buying or selling a home.”
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Commenting on rents, Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, comments:
“Rising rental prices continues to highlight the affordability challenges facing tenants, many of whom are already under significant pressure from the cost of living. Landlords are also having to adapt to changing market conditions and balance rising costs with the need to keep homes affordable.
“Creating the right conditions for landlords to invest in the private rented sector and increase the supply of homes will be essential to easing pressure on rents and improving choice for tenants.”
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