UK Rents Hit Historic £1,500 Milestone Outside London
By Benjamin Owoicho Adah | June 28, 2026
The average rent for a newly let property in the South East of England has reached £1,500 per month for the first time ever outside London . This marks a significant milestone for the UK rental market and reflects continued upward pressure on rents in regions surrounding the capital.
Key Data Points:
-
National average rent: £1,382 per month in May
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South East rent: £1,500 per month (up 2.0% annually)
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London rent: £2,294 per month (up 0.6%)
Regional rental snapshot (May 2026) :
| Region | Average Monthly Rent | Annual Change |
|---|---|---|
| North East | £856 | +3.8% |
| West Midlands | £1,107 | +2.6% |
| South East | £1,500 | +2.0% |
| North West | £1,042 | +1.8% |
| Yorkshire & Humber | £927 | +1.4% |
What This Means for Investors: The fastest rental growth is now in northern regions, with the North East leading at 3.8%. Aneisha Beveridge, head of research at Hamptons, noted landlords are becoming more selective, willing to wait for the right tenant rather than accepting the first offer — which has helped keep rental growth stable