"The data clearly shows that rental affordability in the UK has reached a critical point. Tenants are now spending a record share of their income just to keep a roof over their heads, and this trend is not sustainable"
- Jason Harris-Cohen - LandlordBuyer
New analysis by LandlordBuyer shows growing pressure across the UK private rental market, with tenants spending an unprecedented portion of their income on housing. Rising rents and slower wage growth are creating mounting financial strain for households nationwide.
The latest figures reveal that the average monthly private rent in the UK has reached £1,360, up 5% in the past 12 months. Renters are now spending 36.3% of their income on housing, compared with 34.2% the previous year. Housing experts typically consider spending above 30% of income on rent to be unaffordable, and many in high-demand areas exceed this threshold.
LandlordBuyer’s research points to an ongoing imbalance between supply and demand, increasing landlord costs, and sustained interest rate pressures as key drivers of rental growth.
As a result, tenants are allocating more of their income to housing, leaving less for essentials, savings, and long-term financial security.
The analysis also highlights effects on landlords. Rising regulatory and financial pressures are prompting some to leave the sector, reducing available rental properties. This decline in supply intensifies competition for remaining units, further pushing rents upward.
The firm notes that stabilising the private rental sector and increasing housing supply will be essential to improving affordability. The company continues to assist landlords across the UK, offering solutions for selling tenanted properties quickly without disrupting tenants.
“The data clearly shows that rental affordability in the UK has reached a critical point. Tenants are now spending a record share of their income just to keep a roof over their heads, and this trend is not sustainable," explained Jason Harris-Cohen, managing director of LandlordBuyer.
"Rising costs, ongoing regulatory change, and increasing financial pressure are pushing many landlords to reconsider their long-term position. As supply tightens, the result is higher rents and reduced choice for tenants.
He added, "We need a balanced approach that supports responsible landlords while improving access to affordable housing. Without meaningful action, the gap between wages and housing costs will continue to widen, and more households will face real financial hardship.”
