Rent by size
| Size | Average rent | Income at 30% |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | £1,760 a month | £70,400/yr |
| 2 bedrooms | £2,232 a month | £89,280/yr |
| 3 bedrooms | £2,643 a month | £105,720/yr |
| 4+ bedrooms | £3,646 a month | £145,840/yr |
Rent by type of home
| Type | Average rent |
|---|---|
| Flat or maisonette | £2,056 a month |
| Terraced house | £2,840 a month |
| Semi-detached house | £2,946 a month |
| Detached house | £2,920 a month |
What this means for your budget
Average rents mix older and newer homes, so a newly listed home often costs more than the average. Use this figure as a benchmark when you compare listings, and budget for deposits and fees on top. The 30% rule is a simple guide, not a lender's or landlord's requirement; many landlords use their own income checks.
Areas in London
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in London?
The average private rent in London was £2,332 a month in August 2026, according to the ONS Price Index of Private Rents, 3.5% higher than a year earlier.
How much do I need to earn to rent in London?
To keep the average rent of £2,332 a month at 30% of gross income, a common affordability rule of thumb, you would need about £93,280 a year before tax.
How much is a 1 bedroom in London?
1 bedroom: £1,760; 2 bedrooms: £2,232; 3 bedrooms: £2,643; 4+ bedrooms: £3,646 a month, based on August 2026 data.
Source: ONS Price Index of Private Rents, published 16 September 2026. Figures for August 2026, shown as published. Rents are in British pounds. Our data.