Average rents now exceed £1,000 per calendar month across more than half of local authorities in Great Britain, according to new research from Zoopla, yet slowing growth is beginning to ease the pressure on renters.
The findings show that 52% of local authorities now have average rents above £1,000pcm, up from 23% in 2020. Despite that rise, rents for new tenancies are growing at their slowest rate in four years, up just 1.9% in the year to November 2025.
The number of homes available to rent has also increased by 14% compared to a year ago, driven largely by a decline in international migration for work and study, alongside improved conditions for first-time buyers leaving the rental market.
Affordability remains stretched, particularly across southern England and major cities, where four-figure monthly rents have become the norm. Among the local authorities that have recently crossed the £1,000pcm threshold are the City of Nottingham (£1,015pcm), Leeds (£1,013pcm), Thanet (£1,017pcm), East Devon (£1,032pcm) and Stirling in Scotland (£1,040pcm).
The slowdown in rental growth has, however, given tenants more choice and slightly more bargaining power, making it easier to negotiate or move than it has been in recent years.
"While renting has become more expensive and is an important cost for household budgets, the market is shifting in renters' favour," said Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla. "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."
