Property management fees in the Midlands have risen faster than anywhere else in England over the past decade, increasing by an estimated 53.9%, according to new research from lettings agency Rushbrook & Rathbone. Despite that growth, the South remains the most expensive region in absolute terms, with London continuing to sit well above the national average.
The research analysed average rental values across England's regions in 2016 and 2026, applying an average 10% property management fee to estimate annual management costs, then compared regional changes over the ten-year period.
The estimated average annual fee across the South, including London, now stands at £2,168, against £1,353 in the Midlands and £1,237 in the North. London sits at the top of the market with an average annual fee of £3,303 in 2026, a 37% increase over the decade and the lowest rate of growth across all regions analysed, though it maintains a significant premium over the rest of the country.
Across the wider South East, average annual property management fees now stand at £2,042, following a 44.8% increase since 2016. The South West recorded the largest rise among southern regions at 52.2%, with fees now averaging £1,777 per year.
Within the Midlands, the regional figures break down as follows:
- East Midlands: 57% increase, the largest of any area in England
- West Midlands: 50.9% increase
The North of England records the lowest property management fees overall, though the region has still seen substantial growth. The average annual fee now stands at £1,237, up 48.2% since 2016. Within the North:
- North West: 56.9% increase, the highest in the region
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 45.1%
- North East: 43.7%
"The regional differences highlighted by this research reflect the diverse nature of England's rental market and the varying rental values that property managers are responsible for overseeing," said Roma Sharma, managing director of Rushbrook & Rathbone.
"While the South continues to command the highest management fees in absolute terms, it's notable that the Midlands has seen the fastest rate of growth over the last decade, reflecting the strength of rental demand and rental value growth across the region.
"Property management today is also very different from what it was ten years ago. Landlords are operating in an increasingly regulated environment, with greater compliance responsibilities, higher tenant expectations, and more complex operational requirements than ever before.
"As a result, professional property management plays an increasingly important role in protecting landlords' investments, ensuring regulatory compliance and delivering a positive experience for tenants.
"The data demonstrates the continued growth and maturity of the private rental sector across all parts of England. While regional differences remain, the common theme is a growing recognition of the value that professional management brings to landlords and tenants alike."
The findings point to a rental market in which professional management is becoming both more complex and more costly for landlords, regardless of region, with the gap between the highest and lowest-cost areas showing little sign of narrowing.
