Top of the class – top social classes push rents up by 65%

April 11, 2019

The latest data by, the UK’s only combined lettings inventory and property compliance specialists, VeriSmart, has looked at what impact top tier social classes have on local rental prices.

VeriSmart grouped thousands of postcodes by the percentage of the population classed within the NRS social grading of AB.

A being upper middle class holding higher managerial, administrative, or professional job roles.

B being middle class holding intermediate managerial, administrative or professional job roles.

VeriSmart then looked at the average rental cost per month across areas where the AB social class accounted for 0-19% of the population, 20-39%, 40-59% and 60-80%.

The research shows that the average rental cost increased by 65% for every increase in the population bracket, with the highest (60-80%) paying £3,013 per month compared to just £692 in the lowest bracket.

The largest jump came between areas where 20-39% of the population were classed AB and 40-59% – with a difference of 57% between the average rent of £972 per month and £1,541 respectively.

Founder of VeriSmart, Jonathan Senior, commented:

“Rental demand across any given market can be influenced by a whole host of diverse factors from location, property stock, amenities and even the prestige of the area and the demographic of the population. 

While these factors usually combine to create a greater rental appeal, this research shows that there is a direct correlation between the percentage of the population listed in the AB social class and the rental potential of the local market.

When considering these sorts of factors, those looking to invest in a buy-to-let property can quickly narrow their search to account for these influences and ultimately find the soundest investment to suit their budget.”

Percentage of the Population Classed AB
Average Rent per Month
Change (%)
Average Change (%)
60-80
£3,013
96%
65%
40-59
£1,541
57%
20-39
£979
41%
0-19
£692

Properganda PR

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

You May Also Enjoy

Home and Living

How to Create a Stylish and Comfortable Home Office

Creating a stylish and comfortable home office is essential for productivity and well-being. Here are key considerations to design a workspace that is both functional and inspiring:​D 1. Select an Appropriate Location Choose a quiet area in your home with minimal distractions. If a separate room isn’t available, consider converting a nook or unused space…
Read More →
Breaking News

Zoopla Rental Market Report: Rents rising at lowest level for 3.5 years

Upcoming reforms in the rental market will limit new investment and the number of homes for rent Rents rising at lowest level for 3.5 years as Zoopla warns upcoming rental reforms will continue to limit rental supply   Average UK rents for new lets are three per cent higher over the last year, down from…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Commonhold White Paper – Thoughts from the Industry

The sale of new leasehold flats in England and Wales is to be banned under Labour’s plan to end the  ‘feudal’ system. Labour wants to switch to Scotland’s commonhold system There are around 5 million leaseholders in England and Wales. Under commonhold, each flat owner would own the freehold of their home, but also have…
Read More →
Breaking News

Greenpeace Ruling Exposes UK Government Policy

In January 2025, Greenpeace brought a collective action against the Dutch state for failing to comply with a 2018 European Court of Justice ruling on nutrient neutrality. An appeal is expected: however, as the UK Government has adopted the same ‘tax builders for pollution others cause’ approach to reducing nutrient pollution, it may find itself…
Read More →
Love or Hate Rightmove
Breaking News

Rightmove commentary on mortgage market + weekly tracker

Commenting on the mortgage market, Rightmove’s expert Matt Smith said: “The market has settled after the unexpectedly high inflation figure. Average mortgage rates on many products have trickled downwards, and we’ve even seen the return of some eye-grabbing sub-4% mortgage rates for those with the biggest deposits. It shows that mortgage lenders are still keen to…
Read More →
Breaking News

Government plans to ban new leasehold flats

With the Government’s plans to ban new leasehold flats, an expert says the system must be ready to cope. With the news that Government is to outline plans to ban new leasehold flats and adopt commonhold, with draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill to be published later this year, Scott Goldstein, Partner, Payne Hicks Beach,…
Read More →