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Record-Breaking Rent Increases Across the UK
Private rents in the UK experienced their fastest growth rate since records began in January 2016, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In the month under review, rents soared by 5.1%. The impact of these sharp increases is significant, as housing costs typically constitute a substantial portion of people’s monthly expenses.
Regional Variations in Rent Growth
Wales and Scotland witnessed even higher percentage rises in rents than the UK average. In Wales, rental prices surged by 5.8%, while Scotland experienced a 5.5% increase in the 12 months leading up to June. Meanwhile, England’s rents rose by 5.1%, with the West Midlands exhibiting the highest growth at 5.4%. London, one of the most expensive rental markets, saw a 5.3% rise in rents.
Property Price Growth Slows Down
In contrast to the soaring rents, the UK property market experienced a slowdown in price growth. House prices ticked up by 1.9% in the year leading up to May, a decrease from the 3.2% recorded in the previous 12 months until April. Aimee North, the head of housing market indices at the ONS, reported that annual house price inflation had been slowing for seven consecutive months. While the average house price remained higher than the previous year, it had dipped by £7,000 from the peak in September 2022.
Factors Influencing Rent and Property Prices
The slowdown in property price growth can be attributed to higher mortgage rates, limiting the affordability of homes for potential buyers. Inflation also eased slightly, but the series of interest rate increases over the last 18 months contributed to rising mortgage rates for both homeowners and landlords. These rising costs, combined with regulatory changes, are pushing up rents, as landlords can no longer absorb the increases.
Rental Market Challenges and Tenant Concerns
Property brokers highlighted that the rental market faced challenges due to a shortage of available properties, leading to higher demand and inadequate supply. As a result, rents have been forced upward, which does not favor tenants. Demand for rental properties has surged by 48% compared to pre-Covid levels, while available rental properties are scarce.
The Future Outlook for the Property Market
Economists at Pantheon Macroeconomics forecast an overall “peak-to-trough” drop in house prices of approximately 10%. Despite the potential fall, house prices are expected to remain around 15% higher than pre-Covid levels. As the property market continues to evolve, landlords, tenants, and homeowners must navigate these dynamic trends and brace for possible fluctuations in the housing market.
