London housing rents soar by more than 20% in five years
The increase is the fastest in England and almost double the national average rise of 12.5%
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rents for private housing in London have risen by more than a fifth since 2010.
The 20.9 per cent increase is the fastest in England and almost double the national average rise of 12.5 per cent, according to the Office for National Statistics. It is six times that of the North-east (3.4 per cent), where rents have risen the slowest.
The average household’s disposable income has risen by just 4 per cent between 2010 and 2015. This means that, in many parts of England, it has not kept pace with rental rises.
Campbell Robb, chief executive of housing charity Shelter, said many households were struggling to keep up.
“Millions of private renters are bearing the brunt of our housing crisis, forking out a huge chunk of their income for rent each month and coping with relentless rent rises.
“Every day we hear from families stuck in the rent trap – left with no choice but to stay in expensive and unstable private renting, and unable to save for a stable future in a home of their own.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments