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posted 22nd September 2026
The UK rental market is gathering pace again. After rental growth slowed earlier in the year, a reduction in available homes and stronger competition between applicants are beginning to push rents upwards.
The average rent for a newly let UK property is now £1,343 per month, an increase of 2.6%, or approximately £30 per month, compared with a year ago. Excluding London, the average is £1,097 per month, also around £30 higher year on year.
Manchester is moving faster than the national market. The city's average private rent at £1,373 per month in August 2026, up from £1,317 a year earlier. This represents annual growth of 4.2%, compared with the 2.6% increase recorded nationally for new lets.
Manchester rents by property size
Average rents across Manchester vary considerably by bedroom count:
These figures cover both new and existing private tenancies across the local authority area. They provide a useful city-wide benchmark, but they should not be treated as an automatic valuation for an individual property. Condition, exact street, furnishing, energy efficiency, outdoor space and proximity to transport can all produce a meaningful difference in achievable rent.
M18 rental market snapshot
M18 remains one of Manchester's more accessible rental areas, with a market led mainly by terraced houses and smaller flats. A review of properties advertised in the postcode during September shows the following broad asking-rent ranges:
The comparison with Manchester's overall figures is revealing. M18 generally remains below the city average for one- and two-bedroom accommodation, supporting demand from tenants who need access to Manchester but are priced out of more central neighbourhoods. At the same time, asking rents for well-presented three-bedroom houses can approach or exceed the Manchester-wide three-bedroom average, particularly where a property has been refurbished, offers additional bathrooms or provides good family space.
For landlords, this means that M18 should not be priced with one postcode-wide figure. A basic two-bedroom terrace and a newly renovated three-bedroom family home serve different tenant groups and need separate comparable evidence.
Why rents are beginning to rise more quickly
The immediate pressure is coming from the relationship between supply and demand.
The number of rental homes available across the UK is now 3% lower than a year ago, bringing three years of gradual supply improvement to an end. The flow of newly listed rental properties is also 6% lower, while the total amount of rental housing available remains approximately 25% below its pre-pandemic level.
Tenant competition is strengthening as a result. The average rental listing now receives 5.3 enquiries, 6% more than a year ago and the highest level for almost two years.
New investment has remained limited as landlords deal with higher operating costs, financing pressures and regulatory change. Meanwhile, higher mortgage rates are delaying home ownership for some first-time buyers. Those households remain in rented accommodation for longer, adding demand without a matching increase in rental supply.
The national average also hides substantial local variation. Rents are rising faster than the 2.6% headline rate in around three quarters of local markets. Manchester's 4.2% annual increase is a clear example of why landlords and tenants need local evidence rather than relying only on the UK figure.
What this means for landlords
The September market offers a positive opportunity for landlords with good-quality, correctly priced homes. Demand is strengthening and Manchester's annual rental growth is ahead of the UK headline rate. In M18, affordability remains an important advantage, while refurbished two- and three-bedroom houses can attract stronger rents when their condition supports the asking price.
The key is not simply to raise rent because national growth is accelerating. The right figure should reflect current local comparables, the property's condition and the quality of demand. A realistic valuation can reduce empty periods, attract stronger applicants and support a more stable tenancy.
Request a free rental valuation
If you own a property in Manchester or the M18 area, MHHG Estate Agents can provide a current rental valuation based on local comparables, property condition and live tenant demand. Contact our team to discuss achievable rent and the most suitable marketing and management strategy for your property.
