Scotland recorded the strongest rental growth of any UK region in May 2026, according to the latest figures from Propertymark, with rising rents continuing to push up the salaries required to secure a home.

Average monthly rents north of the border increased by 7.7% between April and May, rising from £1,167 to £1,257. As a result, prospective tenants now require an average annual salary of £37,710 to rent a typical property.

London also saw rents climb, with average monthly costs increasing by 2.1% to £2,307. The capital remains the least affordable region, with renters needing an annual income of £69,210 to secure the average home.

Megan Eighteen, President of ARLA Propertymark, said: “May’s figures underline how localised rental market conditions have become across the UK. While average rents increased nationally during the month, much of that growth was driven by stronger-performing regions such as Scotland, London and parts of northern England, rather than a broad-based rise across all areas.

“The data also shows that affordability pressures remain a significant concern. In most regions, the salary needed to secure an average-priced rental home has increased over the past year, with particularly notable rises in Yorkshire and Humberside, the North East and Scotland.”

Meanwhile, Yorkshire and Humberside recorded the largest annual increase in salary requirements, rising by 3.5% year-on-year to £29,280. In contrast, affordability improved slightly in the South East and East of England, where the salaries needed to rent fell by 1.8% and 0.9% respectively.

The figures highlight the increasingly varied nature of the UK rental market, with supply shortages continuing to drive affordability pressures in many regions.