The UK cities where rent is rising fastest, and one where it is falling
That's according to the latest Rental Market Report from Zoopla, which analysed rents charged for new lets during the year ending in April 2025.
It found that average rents across the UK rose on average by 2.8 per cent during that period - down from 6.4 per cent the previous year.
But the picture varies dramatically around the country, with rents rising much faster in certain areas than others, and even falling in some places.
Zoopla said that rents are rising quickest in more affordable areas adjacent to large cities such as Wigan, Carlisle and Chester, but are falling in some areas, including inner London.
The cost of renting has soared by 21 per cent nationally over the last three years, according to Zoopla, during which time house prices have increased by just four per cent.
The average monthly rent across the UK now stands at £1,287, up by £35 over the last year, Zoopla's figures show.
Below are the UK's major cities listed in order of the annual percentage change in average rent, from the biggest fall to the largest increase
They range from one city where the average rent fell by 1.5 per cent to another where rents have soared by more than 10 per cent in the last year.
1 . Leeds: -1.5%
In Leeds, the average monthly rent fell by 1.5% during the year ending in April 2025, to £985. It was the only major city in the UK to record a fall in rental costs over that period, according to the latest figures published by Zoopla. | National World Photo: Bruce Rollinson Photo Sales
2 . Bristol: +0.4%
In Bristol, the average monthly rent rose by 0.4% during the year ending in April 2025, to £1,395. That was the 15th biggest rise out of 16 major cities, according to the latest figures published by Zoopla. | Getty Images Photo:Photo Sales
3 . Nottingham: +0.5%
In Nottingham, the average monthly rent rose by 0.5% during the year ending in April 2025, to £955. That was the 14th biggest rise out of 16 major cities, according to the latest figures published by Zoopla. | Heritage Images via Getty Images Photo: Historic England Archive/Heritage Images via Getty Images Photo Sales
4 . Sheffield: +1.2%
In Sheffield, the average monthly rent rose by 1.2% during the year ending in April 2025, to £837. That was the 13th biggest rise out of 16 major cities, according to the latest figures published by Zoopla. | National World Photo: National World Photo Sales
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