Scotland recorded the strongest rental growth of any UK region in May, as new figures highlighted the continuing affordability pressures facing tenants across much of the country.
Data from Propertymark’s latest Rental Price and Average Salary Tracker shows average rents in Scotland climbed by 7.7% in a single month, rising from £1,167 in April to £1,257 in May. As a result, the typical salary required to secure a rental property increased to £37,710.
London remained the most expensive rental market in the UK, with average monthly rents increasing by 2.1% to £2,307. Prospective tenants in the capital now require an average annual salary of £69,210 to secure a home.
The figures suggest that while rental growth is becoming increasingly localised, affordability remains a significant challenge in many parts of the country.
REGIONAL DIFFERENCES
Yorkshire and Humberside recorded the largest annual increase in salary requirements, with the income needed to rent an average-priced property rising by 3.5% year-on-year to £29,280. The North East also saw a notable increase, with required salaries climbing 2.9% to £26,310, while Scotland recorded a 2.3% annual rise.
In contrast, affordability improved in some southern regions. The salary needed to secure a rental property in the South East fell by 1.8% over the year to £44,640, while the East of England saw a 0.9% reduction to £40,140.
Monthly rental growth was strongest in Scotland, but other regions also recorded notable increases. Rents rose by 4.9% in the North East, 2.7% in Yorkshire and Humberside, 2.5% in the North West and 2.1% in London. Meanwhile, rents edged lower in the East of England and South West.
AFFORDABILITY PRESSURES
Megan Eighteen (main picture, inset), President of ARLA Propertymark, says: “May’s figures underline how localised rental market conditions have become across the UK.
“While average rents increased nationally during the month, much of that growth was driven by stronger-performing regions such as Scotland, London and parts of northern England, rather than a broad-based rise across all areas.
“The sharp increase recorded in Scotland highlights the continued imbalance between tenant demand and available rental stock, a challenge that remains evident in several high-pressure markets.”
RENTERS’ RIGHTS ACT
Eighteen adds that affordability pressures remain a concern across much of the UK, particularly as the sector adapts to the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act and changing economic conditions.
She says: “Regional supply levels will remain a key factor shaping rental trends over the remainder of 2026. Monitoring these local differences will be essential to understanding how affordability and access to housing develop in the months ahead.”
