THE PROPERTY FILTER TAKE
UK rents rose almost 5% (4.9%) year-on-year to an average of £1,581 in September, according to the latest Goodlord Rental Index.
These are whole-property averages, not room rents, so the 14% jump in the North East tells you about the region, not about your HMO rooms.
Consider checking your own room rents and void days against live lettings in your street before you set next year's rents.
UK rents rose by almost 5% (4.9%) in the year to September, according to the Goodlord Rental Index published on 1 October 2026. The average rent per property went from £1,507 in September 2025 to £1,581, which Goodlord says costs tenants £888 more per year. It is the latest Goodlord index, and the North East led every region with a rise of 14%.
Where did UK rents rise fastest?
Among the UK's nations, Wales saw the sharpest annual rise, with rents up by over 7% (Goodlord, 1 October 2026). In England, rents were up by 5.5%. Scotland saw the smallest change, with average rents up just under 3%.
At regional level, the North East stands out. Goodlord says the average rent there has soared by 14%, from £878 this time last year to £1,000 today. That is £122 more a month, or £1,464 a year on our arithmetic. Goodlord's release, repeated by Mortgage Strategy, gives a different annual figure for the region, which does not match its own monthly numbers.
The East of England was the only area where average rents fell. It saw a very small year-on-year reduction of 0.4%, according to the index. Goodlord also says the East Midlands has posted diminishing year-on-year growth rates for two years. If you hold property in either area, our LHA rates map lets you compare Local Housing Allowance (the housing benefit rate for private tenants) by postcode.
One caveat on the data. Goodlord says this month's index uses a new and improved methodology.
How fast are rents rising month to month?
Between August and September, UK rents rose by just under 1% (0.9%), according to the index. Goodlord calls that a modest month-on-month rise. All regions tracked saw an increase except Yorkshire and the Humber, which saw a very small dip (-0.2%).
The North East again led the way, with average rents up 5.6% in a single month. The North West followed with a 3% rise. Goodlord's chief executive, William Reeve, struck a more cautious note on the overall trend (quoted by Mortgage Strategy, 1 October 2026).
"Overall, rental averages continue to outstrip inflation year-on-year - highlighting the ongoing supply and demand pressures. But the overall pace of rent growth does appear to be slowing, particularly in certain regions," he said. "Key factors, such as the sharp drop in net migration figures, are likely to be helping ease some of the supply/demand imbalance we've seen over recent years."
What do void periods tell HMO landlords?
A void period is the time a property sits empty between tenancies. The UK average void in September was 20 days, down slightly from the 21-day average recorded in August (Goodlord, 1 October 2026). The North East had the shortest voids at just 11 days on average. Yorkshire and the Humber had the longest, at 29 days.
Now the important bit for HMO (house in multiple occupation) owners. Every figure in this index is an average rent per property. None of it is a room rate. So a 14% rise in the North East does not mean your rooms there will let for 14% more.
What the index can do is flag where to look harder. If you value or refinance an HMO on its rental income, our HMO valuation calculator works from your own room rents, not a regional average. If you are testing whether a rent rise covers a lender's stress test, the free stress test calculator shows the rent a lender needs to see.
Regional data like this is one input among several when you choose where to buy. Our guide to property investment strategies covers how to weigh rent growth against other factors.
Key takeaways
UK rents rose almost 5% (4.9%) year-on-year to £1,581 in September 2026, £888 a year more for tenants (Goodlord Rental Index).
The North East rose 14%, from £878 to £1,000, which is £1,464 a year on our arithmetic.
The East of England was the only area with a year-on-year fall, a very small reduction of 0.4%.
The average UK void period was 20 days in September, down slightly from 21 days in August.
All figures are whole-property averages, so HMO landlords may wish to benchmark room rents locally.
Frequently asked questions
How much have UK rents risen in the last year?
Which region saw the biggest rent rise?
Did rents fall anywhere?
Do these figures apply to HMO room rents?
