Room Rents Hit Record Highs Across Six Regions

Average UK room rents have hit a record £761/month, driven by a 3.2% drop in supply. Northern Ireland saw the steepest annual increase (3.8% to £580), while Norwich recorded the highest city spike (5.1% to £619). London remained the only region to see a decline, dipping 0.2%. [1, 2, 3]

Key Numbers:

• UK average room rent: £761 per month (up 0.5% year-on-year, almost 7% higher than three years ago)
• Supply decline: Room rental supply fell 3.2% compared with last year, reversing prolonged growth
• Northern Ireland: Strongest annual increase at 3.8% to £580 per month
• Norwich: Highest city increase at 5.1% to £619 per month
• London: Only region to see a decline, down 0.2% to £915 per month

SpareRoom Insights on UK Room Rentals

SpareRoom's Q2 2026 data points to tightening flatshare availability across the UK. [1]

Matt Hutchinson, director at SpareRoom, commented: "The Renters' Rights Act will improve standards, but it's only half the job. The next, crucial, step is to tackle affordability. Unless real action is taken to protect and expand rental supply, tenants will continue to face higher rents, shrinking choice, and even greater pressure."