Rents across Somerset have surged dramatically, underlining the ongoing housing crisis in the region. In Bath and North East Somerset, the average monthly rent for a privately rented home reached £1,736 in the year leading up to April 2025. This represents a steep increase of £188, or 12.1%, compared to the previous year—over three times the current inflation rate of 3.5%. This rise ranks among the highest across the UK, with only 15 local council areas experiencing larger rent increases.
Elsewhere in Somerset, North Somerset recorded an 8.3% rise in rents, increasing by £88 to £1,157 per month on average. The broader Somerset Council area saw a more modest 4.7% increase, equivalent to £43, raising the average rent to £948 monthly. Notably, Somerset Council remains the only area within the county where rent increases have lagged behind the national average.
Across the UK, the average private rent climbed 7.4% in the same period, equivalent to a £92 increase and reaching £1,335 per month. However, price hikes vary significantly across the country.
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London boroughs, particularly Camden, have experienced some of the largest rent increases, with average rents rising by £333 to £2,836 monthly. Other London areas, including Kensington and Chelsea (£312 increase), Westminster (£304), and Hammersmith and Fulham (£279), have also faced substantial hikes. Broxbourne led outside London with a £248 increase.
In terms of percentage growth, Newport in Wales saw the most dramatic rise, with rents jumping 20.4% to £918 per month. Other areas with significant percentage increases include Broxbourne (17.9%), Melton (15.2%), Slough (14.8%), and Trafford (14.1%).
These steep rental increases exacerbate affordability challenges, placing additional pressure on tenants across Somerset and the UK.