UK Rental Prices Surge by 8.1% While House Prices Climb 4.9% – ONS

The UK property market continues to see significant price increases, with rents rising by 8.1% in the year leading up to February, bringing the average rental cost to £1,326, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

While this marks a slowdown from January’s 8.7% rise, the ongoing increase in rental costs remains a concern for tenants across the country.

At the same time, house prices have also experienced growth, climbing by 4.9% to an average of £269,000 in the year to January—an acceleration from the previous 4.6% increase.

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Regional Rent Growth

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The ONS reports varying rent increases across different parts of the UK:

  • England: Up 8.3% to an average of £1,381.
  • Wales: Increased by 8.5%, reaching £785.
  • Scotland: A more modest 5.8% rise, averaging £998.
  • Northern Ireland: Recorded an 8.1% increase as of December 2024, with rents averaging £832.

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Where Are the Most Expensive Rents?

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London continues to lead the country in rental costs, with a 9.9% annual rise in February—although this has cooled from January’s 11% increase.

  • London’s average rent: £2,235.
  • Kensington & Chelsea: The highest average rent at £3,643.
  • North East England: The most affordable region, with rents averaging £715.
  • Scotland’s Dumfries & Galloway: The lowest rent recorded at £526.

Property type also plays a key role in rent variations:

  • Detached homes: £1,517 per month.
  • Flats & maisonettes: £1,301 per month.
  • Larger properties (4+ bedrooms): £1,989 per month.
  • One-bedroom properties: £1,074 per month.

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House Prices Continue to Rise

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Despite economic uncertainties, UK house prices have continued their upward trajectory:

  • England: The average house price climbed 4.8% to £291,000.
  • Wales: Saw a 6% rise to £210,000, recovering from a decline the year before.
  • Scotland: House prices increased 4.6% to £187,000.
  • Northern Ireland: Reached £183,000 in Q4 2024, marking a 9% increase.

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What Industry Experts Are Saying

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With rent prices still rising, experts are weighing in on the future of the UK property market.

Tom Bill, Head of UK Residential Research at Knight Frank, highlights the potential impact of the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill, suggesting that uncertainty for landlords may further push rents up, despite the recent slowdown in rental inflation.

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Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, warns that a lack of focus on increasing rental property supply is a key reason for rising rents, though he notes that rent inflation for new lets is at its lowest in 3.5 years.

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Gareth Atkins, Managing Director of Lettings at Foxtons, observes a shift in renter behaviour:

“Tenants are no longer making snap decisions to beat the competition. Instead, they are taking more time to explore their options before committing. Landlords, in turn, are adjusting their approach by maintaining well-presented properties and setting competitive pricing.”

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What Does This Mean for Investors and Homebuyers?

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For property investors, rising house prices signal a strong and resilient housing market. However, with rental costs increasing, buy-to-let investors may still find opportunities to benefit from high demand—particularly in regions where rental inflation remains strong.

If you are considering investing in UK property, understanding these market trends is crucial. At Value Invest, we help investors navigate the evolving real estate landscape, ensuring you make informed decisions.

📩 Ready to explore investment opportunities? Contact us today to learn how you can maximise returns in the UK property market!

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Value Invest: Helping You Navigate the UK Property Market

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With rents surging and house prices continuing to climb, navigating the UK property market requires expert insight and strategic planning. Whether you’re an investor looking for opportunities, a landlord adjusting to evolving market trends, or a buyer seeking the right property, Value Invest is here to guide you.

  • Investment Opportunities: We help identify high-demand rental markets and growing property hotspots, ensuring you make informed investment decisions.
  • Mortgage Solutions: Our trusted mortgage partners can assist in securing financing tailored to your property goals.
  • Property Management Support: From legal guidance to tenant management, we connect investors with professionals who can streamline the property ownership experience.

Value Invest collaborates with top UK developers to bring investors premium real estate opportunities. One such development is The Exchange in Watford, offering high-specification apartments in a sought-after location—ideal for both homebuyers and rental investors.

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Ready to Enjoy The Potential of the UK Property Market?

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Investing in the UK property market requires thorough research to make sure you’re investing in the right areas, trust in the developers, and patience until completion. With the help of our expert team in Value Invest, we can guide your way to wealth accumulation.

Make sure to tune in to our monthly UK Property Market webinar to learn about the latest trends and market performance.
Plus, don’t miss our live online event with our founder, Brian, every 3rd of the month, where he shares expert insights and answers your questions in real-time!

Value invest identifies exceptional properties, pools together the resources of individual investors and purchases properties at a discounted prices:

  • Investors enjoy Value Invest’s deep understanding of the UK real estate market in hand picking select properties in specific locations along the fast growing London commuter belt regions.
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