Brief

UK newly agreed rents climb 2.7% in September, fastest rise in almost two years

Hamptons lettings index shows average new‑let rent at £1,433 per month, with South East and South West growth above 4% for the first time since September 2024.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 19 Oct 2026 01:52:36 GMT

Newly agreed rental prices on fresh tenancies rose 2.7% year‑on‑year in September, the fastest pace in nearly two years, according to the Hamptons lettings index.

What happened

The index, which tracks achieved rents using data from the Connells Group, reported that the average newly agreed rent across Britain reached £1,433 per month in September, up from £1,396 a year earlier. The South East and South West regions recorded annual growth above 4.0% for the first time since September 2024. For existing tenants whose rents were increased, the average rise stayed at 5.6%, unchanged from August.

What the reports add

Both Independent and Standard reproduced the same figures, noting the 10‑month streak of accelerating growth for new lets. Standard additionally listed regional rent levels for August, showing London at £2,357 with a 1.5% rise, the East of England at £1,294 (1.6%), and the South East at £1,544 (4.6%). No other outlets provided differing data.

What was said

Aneisha Beveridge, head of research at Hamptons, told both outlets: “So far this year, higher rents have mainly been felt by tenants moving home. But if growth continues to pick up, it is likely to feed through to more existing tenants in the coming months as the gap between new and existing rents widens.”

How it came about

The Hamptons lettings index builds on the Connells Group’s transaction data, focusing on achieved rents rather than advertised figures. Earlier this month, Felo News reported record asking rents in Australian cities, highlighting a global trend of rising rental costs (record rents in Australia). The UK data follows similar upward pressure seen in other markets, such as San Francisco’s 25.4% year‑on‑year increase reported earlier in October (San Francisco rent surge).

Key facts

Average newly agreed rent in Britain was £1,433 per month in September 2026. (independent.co.uk)
The annual growth rate for new lets was 2.7% year‑on‑year. (independent.co.uk)
South East and South West regions saw growth above 4.0% for the first time since September 2024. (independent.co.uk)
Average rent increase for existing tenants remained at 5.6% in September. (independent.co.uk)
Aneisha Beveridge warned the gap between new and existing rents could widen if growth continues. (independent.co.uk)