Average rents in Bristol have climbed 5.9% over the past year to £1,883 a month as landlords face high property prices and continued pressure on tenant affordability.
Analysis from the National Landlord Investment Show, drawing on the latest official house price and rental data, shows rents in the city remain substantially above the South West average of £1,245 and UK average of £1,400.
Bristol’s average property price stood at £352,000 in July, up 2.1% annually and significantly above the £302,000 South West average.
But the analysis argues landlords need to look beyond headline averages when assessing investment opportunities.
PROPERTY TYPE
Average Bristol rents range from £1,508 for flats and maisonettes to £2,008 for terraced homes and £2,091 for semi-detached properties.
Detached homes command an average £2,106 – only £598 more than flats despite typically requiring a substantially higher purchase price.
The National Landlord Investment Show says the figures demonstrate why purchase price, achievable rent and property type all need to be considered when assessing potential returns.
RENTAL PRESSURE
Demand is being supported by population growth and Bristol’s large student market, with around 68,800 students registered at its two main universities in 2024/25.
Tracey Hanbury, Co-Founder of the National Landlord Investment Show, says: “Bristol’s rental pressure is being driven by demand, high property prices, limited supply, student growth and a serious shortage of social and affordable housing. Landlords are operating in a market where costs and regulation are rising, while tenants are also under real pressure.”
Major regeneration projects including Temple Quarter, Hengrove Park and Western Harbour are expected to deliver additional housing and infrastructure, although the analysis argues they will not resolve the city’s rental supply pressures immediately.
For more information on the Bristol property market, the National Landlord Investment Show on 30th September at Ashton Gate Stadium (Bristol City Football Club) is set to provide expert-led education centred on the responsibilities professional landlords have in providing homes in the city of Bristol and the wider South West region.
Attendance is free, but advance registration is required. You can register for your free ticket HERE.
