UK average rents in August rose 2.4% compared to the same month a year ago according to Homelet

Homelet Rental Index August 2017 released today 18th September 2017 reveals ‘UK RENTS CONTINUE TO RISE IN AUGUST.’

Average rents across the UK rose by 2.4% in August compared to the same month a year ago, the highest rate of annual inflation since November 2016; the average monthly rent now stands at £939.

Rents in London rose 2.5% in August year-on-year, following three successive months of decline; the average monthly rent in the capital now stands at £1,609.

Commenting on the research, HomeLet’s Chief Executive Officer, Martin Totty said: “Whilst we’ve often observed a seasonal uplift in average rents at this time of year, there’s evidence of a trend now emerging which points to a reversal of the declines seen over the early part of this year. This will be welcome relief to Landlords who have been battered by the perfect storm of tax changes and post-Brexit uncertainties. Whether the trend continues or represents only temporary relief from the headwinds faced by property owners, the remaining months of 2017 should provide the answer.”

Martin Totty added: “Whether the recent strengthening in rents achieved, seen generally across all regions of the country, is driven by more robust demand or by some restriction of supply is hard to judge. Either way, landlords will only be encouraged to invest in property over other assets if they’re convinced they can achieve reasonable returns. If not, then the supply of rental properties could become constrained. Many landlords still face further increases in their costs and so will need to find a new equilibrium between their legitimate required returns and affordability for tenants. It seems the elements in solving that particular equation become ever more complex.”

Read the Homelet Rental Index August 2017 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.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

2026 Will Test BTR’s Potential and Government’s Resolve

By Justine Edmonds, Head of Build to Rent / Leasing Strategies, LRG Throughout 2025 I have spent hours in meetings with and on discussion panels with institutional investors, developers and local authorities. And everything I’ve picked up on in the last year suggests that 2026 will be a crossroads for Build to Rent (BTR). The…
Read More
Breaking News

December Cash Buyers on the Decline

So is a sale before Christmas still possible? New analysis from Springbok Properties reveals that the number of cash buyers declines in December, so any sellers who are keen to secure a quick sale ahead of Christmas might need to explore different avenues. Springbok Properties have studied historic data on the estimated number of cash…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 10/12/25

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Fine & Country welcomes back Managing Director Nicky Stevenson  Fine & Country is pleased to announce the return of Managing Director, Nicky Stevenson, following her maternity leave. Stevenson, who has played a central role in driving the brand’s growth and strengthening its position in…
Read More
Breaking News

Rental demand drops to six-year low

Rental demand drops to six-year low as supply improves and rental growth slows to 2.2 per cent reports Zoopla   Demand for rented homes has fallen by a fifth over the last year and is the lowest for six years. There are 15% more homes for rent than last year, boosting choice for renters UK…
Read More
Christmas Decorations - Good or Bad for Selling
Breaking News

Christmas move-in rush drives short-term rental spikes

Christmas move-in rush drives short-term rental spikes, while year-on-year affordability remains largely unchanged Year-on-year trends remain relatively stable, with most regions showing small changes in rent levels and required salaries. Short-term rental volatility is now the dominant driver of affordability shifts, with North East, Wales, South West, Yorkshire & Humberside, and parts of the Midlands…
Read More
Breaking News

Dwelly reveals the strongest rental market for current returns

The latest research from Dwelly has highlighted which pockets of the British rental market are currently providing landlords with the greatest returns, helping them combat the incoming tax hikes announced in last week’s Autumn Budget. Dwelly analysed the latest Government house price data alongside the most recent rental market figures from the ONS to identify…
Read More