In the five-year period between 2024 and 2028, the prime residential rent for existing properties in Greater London is expected to increase by over 19 percent. The highest percentage change is expected to occur in 2024, when rents are to rise by 5.5 percent. In the UK. rental growth has accelerated notably since 2021, with March 2024 experiencing a decade-high annual percentage growth. The trend reflects the complex interplay between housing affordability, mortgage rates, and supply of rental homes, as the UK housing market navigates a period of transition.

Median monthly rental prices for the private rental market in England by bedroom category, region and administrative area, calculated using data from the Valuation Office Agency and Office for National Statistics.

In January 2025, the average monthly rent in Greater London reached 2,227 British pounds, confirming its position as the most expensive area for private tenants. Rental prices across England stood at 1,375 British pounds, while the average for Great Britain was recorded at 1,332 British pounds. The North East remains the most affordable region, with rents at 710 British pounds. According to the UK Price Index of Private Rents (PIPR), rental growth has accelerated since 2021, with the cost of rental properties rising by nearly nine percent annually in January 2025.

Update 29-04-2020: The data is now split into two files based on the variable collection frequency (monthly and yearly). Additional variables added: area size in hectares, number of jobs in the area, number of people living in the area.

Context

I have been inspired by Xavier and his work on Barcelona to explore the city of London! 🇬🇧 💂

Content

The datasets is primarily centered around the housing market of London. However, it contains a lot of additional relevant data: - Monthly average house prices - Yearly number of houses - Yearly number of houses sold - Yearly percentage of households that recycle - Yearly life satisfaction - Yearly median salary of the residents of the area - Yearly mean salary of the residents of the area - Monthly number of crimes committed - Yearly number of jobs - Yearly number of people living in the area - Area size in hectares

The data is split by areas of London called boroughs (a flag exists to identify these), but some of the variables have other geographical UK regions for reference (like England, North East, etc.). There have been no changes made to the data except for melting it into a long format from the original tables.

Acknowledgements

The data has been extracted from London Datastore. It is released under UK Open Government License v2 and v3. The underlining datasets can be found here: https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/uk-house-price-index https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/number-and-density-of-dwellings-by-borough https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/subjective-personal-well-being-borough https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/household-waste-recycling-rates-borough https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/earnings-place-residence-borough https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/recorded_crime_summary https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/jobs-and-job-density-borough https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/ons-mid-year-population-estimates-custom-age-tables

Cover photo by Frans Ruiter from Unsplash

Inspiration

The dataset lends itself for extensive exploratory data analysis. It could also be a great supervised learning regression problem to predict house price changes of different boroughs over time.

Rents in England's capital, London, declined by *** percent annually as of January 2025. Nevertheless, many boroughs recorded growing rental prices, with Bromley and Croydon observing double-digit growth. Across the region, Croydon, Barking, Dagenham, and Havering ranked as some of the most affordable areas to rent. As shown by the Index of Private Housing Rental Prices, rents in the UK have soared since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Comprehensive Airbnb dataset for London, Canada providing detailed vacation rental analytics including property listings, pricing trends, host information, review sentiment analysis, and occupancy rates for short-term rental market intelligence and investment research.

The prime property rental real estate market in Central London is expected to see an overall increase in rental rates during the five-year period between 2025 and 2029, according to the latest forecast. Over the five-year period, the cumulative prime rental growth is forecast at **** percent. Property price increase in Outer London is expected to be higher.

The UK residential real estate market, valued at approximately £360.27 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by several key factors. Strong population growth, particularly in urban centers, fuels consistent demand for housing, while low interest rates and government initiatives aimed at boosting homeownership further stimulate market activity. The market is segmented into apartments and condominiums, and landed houses and villas, with each segment exhibiting unique growth trajectories. Apartments and condominiums, particularly in London and other major cities, are expected to see higher demand due to affordability concerns and lifestyle preferences, while landed houses and villas continue to appeal to those seeking more space and privacy, particularly in suburban or rural areas. Competition among major developers such as Berkeley Group, Barratt Developments, and others influences pricing and construction activity. While challenges exist, such as fluctuating economic conditions and rising construction costs, the overall outlook for the UK residential real estate market remains positive. The market's performance is also influenced by broader economic factors, such as inflation and employment rates, and is likely to see regional variations, with London and the South East generally commanding higher prices. The market's growth is expected to continue through 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.75%. This growth will likely be influenced by factors such as evolving demographic trends (including increasing urbanization and family sizes), government policies impacting the housing market, and technological advancements impacting the construction and sales processes. International investment continues to play a significant role, especially in prime London properties. However, the market is susceptible to external shocks, such as changes in interest rates or economic downturns. Understanding these factors is crucial for investors and stakeholders operating within the UK residential real estate sector. Market analysis suggests continued demand for sustainable and energy-efficient housing, influencing the development of future projects. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the UK residential real estate market, covering the period from 2019 to 2033. With a base year of 2025 and a forecast period spanning 2025-2033, this research offers invaluable insights for investors, developers, and industry professionals seeking to navigate this dynamic market. The report leverages extensive data analysis, covering key segments, emerging trends, and major players, to provide a clear understanding of market dynamics and future growth potential. High-search-volume keywords like UK property market, UK house prices, London property market, UK residential real estate investment, build-to-rent UK, multifamily UK, and UK housing market forecast are integrated throughout to ensure maximum online visibility. Recent developments include: May 2023: A UAE-based investment manager, Rasmala Investment Bank, has launched a USD 2bn ( €1.8bn) UK multifamily strategy for a five-year period to build a USD 2bn portfolio of UK residential properties. The strategy is focused on the UK market for multifamily properties through a Shariah-compliant investment vehicle, initially targeting the serviced apartment (SAP) and BTR (build-to-rent) subsectors within and around London. Seeded by Rasmala Group, the strategy is backed by an active investment pipeline for the next 12 – 18 months., November 2022: ValuStrat, a Middle East consulting company, increased its foothold in the UK by acquiring an interest in Capital Value Surveyors, a real estate advisory services company with offices in London. The UK continues to be one of the most established real estate markets worldwide and attracts foreign investors regularly. They are excited to expand their presence there to better serve all of their clients, both in the UK and the Middle East.. Key drivers for this market are: Demand for New Dwellings Units, Government Initiatives are driving the market. Potential restraints include: Supply Chain Disruptions, Lack of Skilled Labour. Notable trends are: Increasing in the United Kingdom House Prices.

The prime property rental real estate market in Outer London is expected to see an overall increase in rental rates during the ********* period between 2024 and 2028, according to a May 2024 forecast. Over the ********* period, the cumulative prime rental growth is forecast at **** percent. Nationwide, residential rents have soared since 2021, with the annual rental growth peaking at over **** percent in **********.

Through reading this publication you will:

• gain an understanding of how house prices are set in economics terms, how they are measured, and why the cost of housing matters for London’s economy and its residents

• see whether incomes and earnings in London have kept pace with the costs of home ownership in London, and see how affordability may be affected by future changes in interest rates

• find out about the drivers of demand for residential property in London, and how the supply of homes has responded to changing conditions

Housing Research Notes are a series of analytical reports from the Greater London Authority focusing on individual issues of relevance to housing policy in London. The most recent Housing Research Note (published in November 2023) estimates the annual cost to the NHS of homes in poor condition in London. It also estimates the cost of repairing all the homes in London that are in poor condition, calculating how long it would take the savings to pay off the repair costs. The analysis is broken down by tenure and compared with the same figures for the rest of England. Previous Housing Research Notes have analysed topics including housing supply, Help to Buy policy, short-term lettings, international comparisons, the factors behind increasing private rents and race equality. The Housing Research Notes are listed below in reverse date order: HRN 11 (2023) The cost of poor housing in London (November 2023) HRN 10 (2023) The affordability impacts of new housing supply: A summary of recent research (August 2023) HRN 09 (2023) Understanding recent rental trends in London’s private rental market (June 2023) HRN 08 (2022) Housing and race equality in London (March 2022) HRN 07 (2021) Who moves into social housing in London? (November 2021) HRN 06 (2021) An analysis of housing floorspace per person (February 2021) HRN 05 (2020) Intermediate housing: The evidence base (August 2020) HRN 04 (2020) Short-term and holiday letting in London (February 2020) HRN 03 (2019) Housing in four world cities: London, New York, Paris and Tokyo (April 2019) HRN 02 (2018) Help to Buy in London (September 2018) HRN 01 (2018) The profile of London's new homes in 2016/17: Analysis of the London Development Database (May 2018)

The UK real estate services industry, valued at approximately £32.45 billion in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.00% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is driven by several key factors. Firstly, the ongoing demand for both residential and commercial properties in major UK cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham fuels the property management and valuation segments. Secondly, increasing urbanization and population growth contribute to a sustained need for property services. Thirdly, technological advancements, such as proptech solutions for property search and management, are streamlining operations and improving efficiency within the sector. The market is segmented by property type (residential, commercial, other) and service type (property management, valuation, other services). While residential properties currently dominate the market, the commercial sector is also experiencing significant growth, particularly in areas with strong economic activity. Key players such as Hammerson, British Land, and Rightmove are well-positioned to capitalize on these trends. However, challenges remain, including economic uncertainty, fluctuations in interest rates impacting investment, and regulatory changes influencing property transactions. The industry's resilience will be tested by navigating these challenges while capitalizing on the long-term growth opportunities presented by the UK’s evolving real estate landscape. The regional distribution of the UK real estate services market reflects the concentration of economic activity and population density. London and the South East are expected to maintain a significant market share, owing to their high property values and demand. However, other regions, particularly those experiencing population growth and infrastructure development, are anticipated to show considerable growth potential. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of large, established players and smaller, specialized firms. The presence of prominent players across various segments – from property developers (Berkeley Group) to REITs (Tritax Big Box) and housing associations (Bridgewater Housing) – highlights the industry's diverse structure and the opportunities for various business models. The forecast period will see ongoing consolidation and the emergence of innovative business models, particularly within the proptech sector. This dynamic environment requires agile strategies and adaptive business models to succeed in this evolving market. Recent developments include: January 2023: United Kingdom Sotheby's Property Business Acquired by the Dubai Branch of Sotheby's. UK Sotheby International Realty was previously owned by Robin Paterson, who sold the business to his business partner and affiliate, George Azar. George Azar currently holds and operates Sotheby's Dubai and the MENA region., November 2022: JLL identified a shortage of quality rental homes as a long-term problem for the UK, which the recent boom in rentals has accentuated. This unmet need for quality rental homes has led to continued investor interest in purpose-built rental properties in UK city centers. JLL reported that annual investment in UK living real estate reached £10bn (USD 12.73 bn) in Q3 2022, setting living on track for another record year.. Key drivers for this market are: Improvements in Infrastructure and New Development, Population Growth and Demographic Changes. Potential restraints include: Housing Shortages, Increasing Awareness towards Environmental Issues. Notable trends are: Increasing in the United Kingdom House Prices.

Number of properties sold from Land Registry data.

Excluded from the above figures are sales at less than market price (e.g. Right To Buy), sales below £1,000 and sales above £20m.

Relevant link: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/regional-analysis/house-price-statistics-for-small-areas/index.html

Graph and download economic data for Housing Inventory: Median Days on Market Year-Over-Year in London, KY (CBSA) (MEDDAYONMARYY30940) from Jul 2017 to Dec 2024 about London, KY, median, and USA.

Rents of mainstream rental properties in London are forecast to continue to increase between 2024 and 2028. Rental growth is expected to be the strongest in 2024, at 5.5 percent. On the other hand, house prices are expected to grow at a slower rate.

UK Residential Real Estate Market size is growing at a moderate pace with substantial growth rates over the last few years and is estimated that the market will grow significantly in the forecasted period i.e. 2024 to 2031.

The UK residential real estate market is driven by robust demand for housing, especially in major cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. The UK government’s housing strategy aims to deliver 300,000 new homes annually to meet demand, which continues to outpace supply. With an increasing population and changing demographics, including more people opting for homeownership, demand for residential properties remains high. The need for family homes and affordable housing continues to drive growth in both urban and suburban markets.

Moreover, government initiatives such as the Help to Buy scheme and Stamp Duty cuts have played a significant role in encouraging first-time buyers to enter the residential market. Recent changes to Stamp Duty, which saw exemptions for homes below a certain price threshold, have increased affordability for many buyers. The government’s First Homes Scheme offers new properties at a discounted rate for first-time buyers, making homeownership more accessible. According to the UK Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government, the scheme has helped thousands of young buyers get onto the property ladder.

London West End - Bond Street is the most expensive location for prime high street rents in the UK, with prices reaching 2,250 British pounds per square foot. The West End was ranked ahead of the London City, which came in third. In Manchester, the annual costs of rental per square foot of prime retail real estate amounted to 225 British pounds. Retail warehouses Retail warehouses typically range from fifty thousand to hundreds of thousands of square feet. They are used for keeping and distributing inventory. Retail warehouses include loading docks, truck doors and large parking lots; also, they may contain a limited amount of office space. Prime retail warehouse properties belong to the wider category of industrial property, along with other real estate types, such as distribution buildings, showroom facilities, manufacturing buildings, cold storage facilities, telecom or data hosting centers, "flex" buildings denoting more than one industrial or commercial facility housed in the same building, and finally R&D buildings. Prime yields of high street retail across Europe Retail real estate prime yields in Europe were the lowest in Zurich, Switzerland, and the highest in Istanbul, Turkey in 2022. As could be expected, larger cities in Europe tended to produce lower yields, due to the lower risk associated with these markets. Locations with lower yields tend to have steady occupancy rates and rental growth.

The UK student accommodation market, valued at approximately £8.52 billion in 2025, is experiencing robust growth, projected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.45% from 2025 to 2033. Several factors fuel this expansion. Rising university enrollments, particularly among international students seeking higher education in the UK, significantly contribute to the increasing demand for accommodation. Furthermore, a shift towards purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) reflects a preference for modern, amenity-rich living spaces over traditional rented houses or shared flats. This trend is driven by the convenience, safety, and often included services offered by PBSA providers. Competition within the sector is intense, with established players like Unite Group and CRM Students vying for market share alongside newer entrants. The market segmentation reflects diverse needs, with options categorized by accommodation type (Halls of Residence, Rented Houses/Rooms, Private Student Accommodation), location (City Center, Periphery), rent type (Basic Rent, Total Rent), and booking mode (Online, Offline). Geographic variations exist, with London and other major university cities witnessing higher demand and premium pricing. The market faces some challenges. Economic fluctuations can influence student budgets and accommodation choices. Planning regulations and construction costs can impact the supply of new PBSA developments. Competition necessitates continuous improvement in facilities and services to attract students, leading to a need for increased operational efficiencies. The sector must also adapt to evolving student preferences, including sustainable living options and flexible lease terms. The growing popularity of online booking platforms simplifies the accommodation search process, emphasizing the importance of a strong digital presence for providers. Despite these challenges, the long-term outlook for the UK student accommodation market remains positive, driven by consistent student population growth and the ongoing development of modern, high-quality accommodation options. The market’s continued evolution will be shaped by technological advancements, evolving student preferences, and economic conditions, leading to innovation in accommodation offerings and operational strategies. Recent developments include: February 2023: Sunway RE Capital expanded its student accommodation portfolio by acquiring Freehold purpose-built student accommodation, green word court, in Southampton, UK. The facility has 223 beds arranged as 217 non-en suites and 16 studios. The facility is just a few miles from the University of Southampton's Highfield and Bolderwood campuses., March 2022: Unite group sold a portfolio of 11 student accommodation properties with almost 4,500 beds at a price of more than GBP 306 Mn to an affiliate of Loan Star Funds. The disposal was a part of the group's proactive portfolio management strategy, resulting in increased alignment with high and mid-ranked universities delivering the most excellent quality and value to students.. Notable trends are: Students admitted in colleges affecting student accommodation market in UK.