London

How Much Does It Cost to Rent in London in 2026-7?

London remains the most expensive region in the UK for private renting. According to the Office for National Statistics, the average private rent in London was £2,317 per month in July 2026, compared with a UK average of £1,393 per month. London rents were around 3.0% higher than a year earlier.

Prices vary considerably across the capital. Kensington and Chelsea had the highest average monthly rent in July 2026 at £3,629, while rents in outer London boroughs are generally lower. Check the latest London rent figures.

This means that someone earning £3,000 per month after tax may find it difficult to keep their rent within the traditional 25% to 30% affordability guideline if they want to live alone. A £2,317 monthly rent would represent more than three-quarters of that income before allowing for Council Tax, utilities, travel, food and other costs. More on London property.

What Could Happen to London Rents in 2027?

London rents are expected to remain high in 2027, with further increases possible if rental supply continues to lag demand, although growth may be slower than the sharp increases seen earlier in the decade.

Top 10 Cheapest Areas of London to Rent in 2026

London remains the UK’s most expensive region for private renters, but rental prices vary considerably between boroughs. The table below shows the 10 cheapest London boroughs by average monthly private rent in July 2026.

Rank London Borough Average Monthly Rent Average Annual Rent
1 Bexley £1,534 £18,408
2 Sutton £1,553 £18,636
3 Havering £1,564 £18,768
4 Hillingdon £1,565 £18,780
5 Croydon £1,581 £18,972
6 Bromley £1,681 £20,172
7 Barking and Dagenham £1,696 £20,352
8 Redbridge £1,724 £20,688
9 Waltham Forest £1,765 £21,180
10 Harrow £1,773 £21,276

Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS), Price Index of Private Rents. Figures are average private rental prices for July 2026 and cover different property sizes and existing as well as new tenancies.

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