Between 2022 and 2025, UK renters have seen bigger increases in monthly costs than homeowners.
According to data from the Bank of England and Zoopla Rental Index, average monthly rents have gone up by £221, while mortgage repayments increased by £218 during the same period.
So what does this mean for renters, homeowners, and people trying to get on the property ladder?
Let’s break it down in simple English.
Average UK Rents Rise vs Mortgage Payment in 2025
| Category | Average Monthly Cost (2025) |
|---|---|
| Rent | £1,283 |
| Mortgage Payment | £1,154 |
✅ Renters now pay more per month than homeowners with mortgages.
Why Are Rents Increasing So Fast?
There are three big reasons why rents have gone up so much:
1. High Demand, Low Supply
- More people want to rent homes, especially after the pandemic.
- But landlords haven’t added enough new rental properties.
- This creates a shortage, which pushes prices up.
2. First-Time Buyers Struggling
- In 2022 and 2023, mortgage rates increased.
- Many young buyers couldn’t afford to buy, so they kept renting.
- This added more pressure on the rental market.
3. Stronger Job Market and Migration
- More people moved for jobs and studies.
- This added to the already high demand for rentals.
Areas With the Biggest Rent Increases (2022–2025)
Here’s a look at some UK areas with the fastest rent increases:
| Area | Avg Rent (2025) | Increase % | Monthly Rise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oldham (OL) | £876 | +35% | +£227 |
| Wigan (WN) | £800 | +32% | +£194 |
| Bolton (BL) | £884 | +31% | +£211 |
| Ilford (IG) | £1,794 | +28% | +£395 |
| Romford (RM) | £1,611 | +28% | +£356 |
💡 London areas like Ilford and Romford saw the biggest jumps in rent prices in pounds and pence.
Good News: Rent Growth Is Slowing
There’s a bit of relief for renters.
- The rate at which rents are rising has slowed down in 2025.
- That’s because:
- Mortgage rates improved.
- Migration slowed slightly.
- People can’t afford unlimited increases.
🚦 But remember: rents are not going down, just rising more slowly.
Balanced Perspective: What About Landlords?
While renters are paying more, landlords also face challenges:
- Higher mortgage rates on buy-to-let properties.
- Tough regulations on energy efficiency and safety.
- Less incentive to invest in rental properties.
This makes some landlords sell their properties, reducing supply further — and making rents rise again.
Expert Opinion: What Can Be Done?
“The quickest way to lower rents is to build more rental homes,” says Richard Donnell, Executive Director at Zoopla.
Government and private builders must:
- Add more homes for rent.
- Support both social and private rental sectors.
- Help low-income renters with housing benefits.
💡 Smart Tips to Save on Rent
If you’re renting, here are practical ways to save:
🔔 Set Alerts for New Listings
Be the first to know when a rental within your budget becomes available.
🔻 Look for Price-Reduced Rentals
Use filters like “most reduced” to find hidden gems with lower prices.
🗺️ Use Travel Time Tools
Find cheaper areas that are just 10–15 mins further from your workplace.
✏️ Draw Your Search Area
Use map tools to find rentals within the exact area you want.
📚 Read Renting Guides
Learn how to negotiate rent, avoid hidden fees, and budget smartly.
Final Thoughts
Renting in the UK has become more expensive than owning for many people.
If you’re a renter, now is the time to:
- Be smart with your searches.
- Use every tool available.
- Push for better housing policies.
Because while the market is tough, knowledge is power — and a good strategy can save you hundreds of pounds each year.
