Renting in the UK: Why It’s More Expensive Than Ever

The UK housing market is under pressure, with private rents reaching record highs in 2025. Across England, Wales, and Scotland, rental prices have surged, widening regional disparities and intensifying the debate over housing affordability. But what’s really driving this rental crisis?

Why Are Private Rents Soaring?

📉 Supply Shortages & Housing Constraints

• There is a severe shortage of rental properties, particularly in major cities.
• New housing developments have failed to keep pace with growing demand.
• Planning restrictions and delays in construction projects have worsened the issue.

📈 Demand Pressures on the Rental Market

• The rising cost of homeownership (higher mortgage interest rates, expensive deposits) has forced more people to rent for longer.
• Population growth and migration have increased demand, intensifying competition for available housing.
• More young professionals and families remain in rental properties due to affordability barriers in the housing market.

🏦 Interest Rates & Landlord Costs

• Buy-to-let landlords are facing higher mortgage rates, prompting them to increase rents to cover additional costs.
• Some landlords are exiting the market due to rising energy costs, reducing supply further.

Labour’s Plans to Make Renting More Affordable

With soaring rent prices putting pressure on tenants, Labour has introduced key proposals:

🏡 Renters' Rights Bill

• Ending Section 21 evictions, preventing landlords from evicting tenants without a valid reason.
• Regulating rent increases, requiring landlords to give at least two months' notice before raising rents.

🏗️ Housing Supply Initiatives

• Aiming to build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years.
• Plans for up to 12 new towns to address housing shortages.

📉 Rent Controls & Policy Changes

• Scotland’s 3% annual rent cap and eviction moratorium (which ended in April 2024) was one approach, but opinions remain divided on long-term rent controls.