The UK's Most Affordable Rentals Revealed: Your Guide to a Cheaper Home

UK Rental Market Overview-Rents across the UK have continued to climb, though the pace of increase is starting to slow. The latest data shows the average UK monthly private rent reached £1,344 in June 2025, which is a 6.7% increase over the past 12 months. This marks the sixth consecutive month of slowing annual inflation, a small relief for renters facing a persistent affordability crisis.

The situation varies significantly across different regions. In England, the average rent is £1,399, up 6.7% from a year ago. Wales saw the highest percentage increase at 8.2%, with an average rent of £804. In Scotland, rents rose by 4.4% to an average of £999.

The London Rental Market-London remains the most expensive place to rent in the UK, but the rate of rent growth has been showing signs of easing. While the average rent in the capital is still a staggering £2,083 per month, the annual increase has slowed to 0.9% from July 2024 to July 2025, and a slight decrease of 0.2% from the previous month. This is a significant shift from the rapid, double-digit increases seen in previous years.

The Best and Worst Places to Rent-For those looking to find a more affordable place to live, whether for a house or a single room, some areas offer a better deal than others.

Best Places to Rent in London-While London is notoriously expensive, some boroughs are significantly more affordable than others. For those seeking a room or a house at a lower price point, the outer London boroughs are the best bet.

Bexley: Located in southeast London, Bexley is the most affordable borough for renters. The average rent here is £1,485, less than half the price of the most expensive boroughs.

Havering: This east London borough offers a mix of urban and rural living and is a more affordable option for those looking to commute into central London.

Croydon and Sutton: These two boroughs in south London have transformed into popular residential areas with a wide variety of properties and excellent transport links, all at a more reasonable price point.

Best Places to Rent in the UK-If you're willing to move outside of the capital, the UK has many cities where the rent is far more manageable. The most affordable cities for renters are primarily in the North of England.

Middlesbrough: Topping the list for affordability, Middlesbrough offers an average rent of just £609.60 per month.

Sunderland: Another northern city, Sunderland, has an average rent of around £623.

Bradford and Kingston upon Hull: Both of these cities offer some of the lowest rental prices in the UK, with average rents around £698 and £630 respectively.

The key takeaway for renters in the UK is that while the market is still challenging, there are signs that rent growth is slowing. However, the cost of living remains a major concern, and for many, finding an affordable place to live means looking beyond the major city centers.