The UK rental market displayed significant regional variation in April 2026, with Scotland and Northern Ireland recording strong monthly growth while several English regions and Wales experienced declining rents, according to data from Propertymark.
Scotland recorded the strongest monthly increase, with average rents rising 3.9% from £1,123 to £1,167 between March and April. Northern Ireland followed with a 3.7% increase, from £887 to £920 per month. London rents also rebounded, rising 3% from £2,193 to £2,259, reversing a recent slowdown in the capital.
Regional declines signal market correction
In contrast, Wales saw average rents fall 3.4% month-on-month, while the North East and North West recorded declines of 3% and 2.6% respectively. The South West and South East also experienced modest falls of 1.9% and 0.9%.
The divergence comes as the rental sector prepares for significant regulatory changes, with the Renters’ Rights Act commencing across England in May 2026, which will introduce new obligations for landlords and letting agents.
Affordability pressures vary by region
The data tracks both agreed rental prices and estimated salary requirements used by referencing agencies to assess tenant affordability. Year-on-year comparisons show the typical salary needed to secure an average rental property increased in seven regions but fell in five.
The North East saw the largest year-on-year decline in salary requirements, falling 4.6% from £26,280 to £25,080. Northern Ireland recorded a 2.4% decrease to £27,600, despite higher rents. Conversely, Yorkshire and Humberside saw the largest increase, with required salaries rising 2.5% to £28,500.
London remains the most expensive rental market, requiring an average salary of £67,770 to secure a property, up 0.5% year-on-year. Scotland now requires £35,010, a 1.1% annual increase, while the South East requires £44,460, down 1.5% from the previous year.
Megan Eighteen, president of ARLA Propertymark, said: “The latest figures continue to show a highly regionalised rental market, with some areas experiencing noticeable monthly growth while others are seeing mild corrections. This divergence reflects ongoing imbalances between supply and demand across different parts of the UK, rather than a uniform national trend.”
The rental market data emerges as broader property market indicators show mixed signals, with affordability remaining a key constraint for households across multiple regions.
Market outlook
Eighteen noted that while rental inflation has moderated compared with previous peaks, conditions remain mixed, with continued pressure in higher-demand locations alongside softer or declining rents in parts of Wales and northern England.
She added that the market remains sensitive to broader economic conditions and evolving regulatory changes, with the direction of rents likely to continue varying significantly by region rather than moving in a single national pattern over the coming months.
