Newly agreed rents climb at fastest rate in almost two years, data shows
Rental prices for fresh tenancies have risen at their quickest pace in nearly two years, with the South East and South West posting notable annual increases.
According to the Hamptons lettings index, which tracks achieved rents using Connells Group data, newly agreed rental prices have accelerated to their strongest level in almost two years. The South East and South West of England each posted annual growth above four percent, marking the first time such rates have been seen since September 2024. For tenants already in place, the average rent increase held steady at 5.6% compared with August.
Aneisha Beveridge, head of research at Hamptons, explained that one outlet surge mainly impacts newcomers, but if the trend persists, existing renters may also feel pressure as the disparity between new and existing rents widens. The index also listed average monthly rents for new lets across regions, with London at £2,357 and Scotland at £1,099, among other figures.
Why it matters
Rising rents affect household budgets and could signal broader inflationary pressures in the housing market.
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