Rents rose by 1.9% across new tenancies in the year to November 2025, the lowest level of growth in four years, Zoopla research shows.
The cost of renting has swelled significantly in the past five years, as more than half (52%) of local authorities across Great Britain how have average rents of over £1,000 per month.
This is up from less than a quarter of local authorities (23%) in 2020.
Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, said: “While renting has become more expensive and is an important cost for household budgets, the market is shifting in renters’ favour.
“Slower rent growth, increased choice, and more stable outlooks mean cost-of-living pressures from rent are easing rather than intensifying.
“Growing the size of the rental market – private and affordable homes – is the best route to further reducing the pressure on renters.”
Rental growth is finally being kept in check by rising supply.
There are 14% more homes for rent compared to a year ago, driven by a decline in international migration for work and study.
More first-time buyers are also successfully leaving the rental market to purchase their first home.
Local authorities that have recently tipped over the £1,000 per month include the City of Nottingham (£1,015), Leeds (£1,013), Thanet (£1,017), East Devon (£1,032) and Stirling in Scotland (£1,040).
