Rent by size
| Size | Average rent | Income at 30% |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | £993 a month | £39,720/yr |
| 2 bedrooms | £1,273 a month | £50,920/yr |
| 3 bedrooms | £1,552 a month | £62,080/yr |
| 4+ bedrooms | £2,213 a month | £88,520/yr |
Rent by type of home
| Type | Average rent |
|---|---|
| Flat or maisonette | £1,146 a month |
| Terraced house | £1,446 a month |
| Semi-detached house | £1,573 a month |
| Detached house | £1,986 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 South East
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in South East?
The average private rent in South East was £1,426 a month in August 2026, according to the ONS Price Index of Private Rents, 3.0% higher than a year earlier.
How much do I need to earn to rent in South East?
To keep the average rent of £1,426 a month at 30% of gross income, a common affordability rule of thumb, you would need about £57,040 a year before tax.
How much is a 1 bedroom in South East?
1 bedroom: £993; 2 bedrooms: £1,273; 3 bedrooms: £1,552; 4+ bedrooms: £2,213 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.