RENTAL PRICE INFLATION SLOWS, OCTOBER HOMELET RENTAL INDEX REVEALS

  • Average rents across the UK rose by 0.9% in October when compared to the same month a year ago; the average monthly rent is now £909
  • Rents in London rose 0.6% in October, year-on-year; the average monthly rent in the capital now stands at £1,556
  • On an annualised basis, rents rose in 11 out of the 12 regions of the UK covered by the research; however, the average rents secured in October were lower than in September in every region, contributing to a significant slowing in the annual rate of inflation.

 

About our data: HomeLet Rental Index provides the most comprehensive and up to date data on new tenancies in the UK. As part of referencing prospective tenants each year, HomeLet processes information including the rental amounts agreed, the number of tenants moving into the property, together with the employment status, income and age of all tenants. The trends reported within the HomeLet Rental Index are brand new tenancies which were arranged in the most recent period, giving the most relevant insight into changes in the Private Rented Sector. This is in contrast to many other rental indices which are based on all properties which are being managed, which may have had rental amounts agreed as long as two years ago.

 

Rents in the UK rose by an average of 0.9% during October, new data from HomeLet reveals, the fourth successive month of increases following a short period of falling rents in the Spring. The average rent agreed on a new tenancy signed in October was £909 according to the October HomeLet Rental Index, compared to £901 in the same month of last year.

However, while October’s average increase reflects higher rents recorded in 11 out of the 12 areas of the country that HomeLet monitors – the South-East was the exception – the pace of rental price inflation has slowed. October’s 0.9% increase follows rises of 2.0% and 2.4% in September and August respectively. Indeed, on a monthly basis, rents on new tenancies in October were lower in every area of the country than in September.

The national picture was reflected in London where annualised rental price inflation was 0.6% in October, down from 1.8% and 2.5% in September and August. The average tenancy agreed in London last month cost £1,556, compared to £1,593 in September. HomeLet’s regional data is available in more detail via an online interactive infographic.

Rental figures from the October 2017 HomeLet Rental Index

Region Average rent in October 2017 Average rent in September 2017 Average rent in October 2016 Monthly variation Annual variation
East Midlands £618 £620 £596 -0.3% 3.6%
Northern Ireland £625 £636 £604 -1.7% 3.4%
West Midlands £683 £692 £663 -1.3% 2.9%
North West £692 £697 £676 -0.7% 2.3%
Yorkshire & Humberside £628 £630 £615 -0.3% 2.1%
Scotland £621 £628 £608 -1.1% 2.1%
North East £528 £529 £518 -0.2% 1.9%
South West £790 £814 £777 -2.9% 1.6%
Wales £612 £617 £603 -0.8% 1.5%
Greater London £1,556 £1,593 £1,547 -2.3% 0.6%
East of England £901 £914 £899 -1.4% 0.2%
South East £977 £1,001 £985 -2.4% -0.8%
UK £909 £927 £901 -1.9% 0.9%
UK excluding Greater London £755 £766 £744 -1.4% 1.5%
Notes:

 

Based on new tenancies in October 2017 Based on new tenancies in September 2017 Based on new tenancies in October 2016 Comparison of average rent in October 2017 and September 2017 Comparison of average rent in October 2017 and October 2016

 

 

HomeLet Rental Index Regional Variance Figures for October 2017

Shared by: Hayley Collins – McGrory Communications

EAN Content

Content shared by this account is either news shared free by third parties or sponsored (paid for) content from third parties. Please be advised that links to third party websites are not endorsed by Estate Agent Networking - Please do your own research before committing to any third party business promoted on our website. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Breaking Property News 14/7/26

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   REVIEW: The Future of Real Estate Education: From Pedagogy to Technology Author Mr. Hugh Kelly, Ph.D., CRE Emeritus   Edited by Karen M. McGrath, Elaine M. Worzala, and Pernille H. Christensen. (Routledge, New York and London, 2026). 330 pp. ISBN 9781032625041. Paperback $70.99; hardcover $170.00; ebook…
Read More
Breaking News

Why 2026 is redefining responsibility in the private rented sector

The landlord rulebook has changed  Insurance experts warn that understanding where landlord obligations end and tenant responsibilities begin has never been more important, following the biggest legislative shake-up of the rental market in a generation. The implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act on 1st May 2026 has transformed the relationship between landlords and tenants, introducing…
Read More
Breaking News

Mortgage demand slowed in Q2

Mortgage demand softened as anticipated in the second quarter due to affordability pressures exacerbated by rising borrowing costs, Stonebridge reveals today. However, mortgage rates remain tricky to accurately predict while borrowers face being wrong-footed by renewed clashes in the Gulf, which sent oil prices and inflation expectations higher last week. Stonebridge mortgage and protection network’s…
Read More
Breaking News

Prime London buyer demand strengthens in Q2

aThe latest Prime London Demand Index by London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves, reveals that buyer demand across London’s prime property market strengthened during the second quarter of 2026, with overall demand reaching 14.5%. The capital’s family-focused prime neighbourhoods continued to lead the way, with Clapham, Wandsworth, and Chiswick among the strongest performing…
Read More
Breaking News

Mortgage rates fall at fastest pace in almost two years

Moneyfacts UK Mortgage Trends Treasury Report data reveals fixed mortgage rates have recorded their biggest monthly reductions since October 2024. Product choice rose and the churn of mortgage deals was stable. Fixed mortgage rates dropped for a consecutive month, citing the biggest monthly reductions since October 2024, with the average two- and five-year fixed rates…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 13/7/26

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   How Prevou created the world’s most enthusiastic salesperson for estate agents   A fly on the wall analysis of how and why successful technology companies solve big problems for small estate agencies in the UK Every successful business starts with a problem. For Prevou, that…
Read More