Average rents in Scotland up 1.7% over the past year, data finds
The average monthly rent increased by £17 to £1,016, the smallest rise among the four UK nations, according to DJ Alexander.
Average rents in Scotland rose by 1.7% in the year to July 2026, according to DJ Alexander’s analysis of Office for National Statistics (ONS) data.
The average monthly rent increased by £17 to £1,016, the smallest rise among the four UK nations.
Wales recorded the largest percentage increase at 4.5%, taking its average rent to £843.
Rents rose by 3.8% to £1,451 in England and by 2.3% to £875 in Northern Ireland.
The Lothians had Scotland’s highest average rent at £1,415, driven mainly by prices in Edinburgh.
This was followed by Greater Glasgow at £1,264, East Dunbartonshire at £1,169, West Lothian at £972 and West Dunbartonshire at £942.
The Highlands and Islands had an average rent of £733, followed by Perth and Kinross at £729, the Borders at £707, Ayrshire at £646 and Dumfries and Galloway at £554.
David Alexander, chief executive officer of DJ Alexander Scotland, said: “These figures are encouraging and show continued price growth – albeit at a relatively modest rate – across Scotland.
“The central belt continues to be the most popular area offering the most jobs and greater lifestyle options, so rents are healthy as demand continues to be strong.
“There is little sign of any downturn in the private rented sector (PRS) and Edinburgh’s forecast population growth will ensure that the capital continues to require an expanding rental market.”
Alexander added: “Edinburgh’s working age population rose by 33,000 between 2014 and 2024 which was a 10% increase. In Scotland this population only rose by 1.7% over the same period.
“I remain optimistic that the PRS will continue to be a formidable and important part of the housing market in the decades to come.
“There will be large variations in which parts of the country will expand but the central belt looks certain to be expanding for some time to come.”
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