Private rental market pressures increased in several UK regions in October 2025, according to data from Propertymark.
The rental price and average salary tracker found that Wales and the North East saw the sharpest rises in affordability pressures.
In Wales, average rent went up 3% from £995 in September to £1,025 in October, but the annual salary needed to rent dropped slightly by 0.4% year-on-year (YoY) to £30,750.
The North East saw rents rise 6.1% month-on-month to £911, while the salary needed to rent fell 20.6% to £27,330 compared to last year.
London, Scotland and parts of the South showed some easing in affordability.
The average salary needed to rent in London fell 3.6% to £67,290 and rents dropped 5.8% to £2,243.
Scotland saw a 3.4% drop in the salary required to £31,620 and a 3.9% fall in rents to £1,054.
In the South East, the salary needed dropped 1.5% to £44,670 with rents holding steady at £1,489.
The East Midlands saw a 1.9% rise in the salary needed to £31,380 and rents rose 5.6% to £1,046.
The East of England stayed steady, with a 0.15% increase in salary to £40,140 and rents down 0.3% to £1,338.
The West Midlands saw almost no change, with the salary needed down 0.2% to £31,530 and rents flat at £1,051.
Across the UK, average rental prices and the annual salary needed to rent varied by region.
In October 2025, Scotland’s average rent was £1,054, Northern Ireland £918, Wales £1,025, East Midlands £1,046, East of England £1,338, London £2,243, North East £911, North West £1,095, South East £1,489, South West £1,314, West Midlands £1,051 and Yorkshire and Humberside £995.
The typical annual salary needed ranged from £27,330 in the North East to £67,290 in London.
Compared to October 2024, the salary needed to rent dropped most in the North East, down 20.6%, while Yorkshire and Humberside had the biggest rise at 4.7%.
Monthly rental prices from September to October 2025 rose most in the North East at 6.1% and dropped most in London at 5.8%.
Megan Eighteen, president of ARLA Propertymark, said: “Rents have risen across many parts of the UK, but the market remains active and resilient, underpinned by strong tenant demand.
“Supply is under pressure, with some landlords leaving the sector due to rising costs and regulatory changes, while new professional landlords are entering the market and investing for the long term, helping to bring much-needed stock back into circulation.
“However, this may not be enough to meet ongoing, growing demand, and support is needed to encourage further investment.”
Eighteen added: “Rising operational costs, from energy efficiency requirements to maintenance and insurance, are influencing rent levels, but agents and landlords are working hard to keep tenancies fair, sustainable, and stable.
“With the right policy support and continued investment, the private rental sector can continue to provide high-quality homes for tenants while remaining a viable and attractive market for landlords.”
