Rent burden in England climbs to 36.3 percent of income

ONS data show renters spend 36.3% of income on rent in 2024, with London the most affected at 41.6% and Kensington and Chelsea the worst local area.

Rent burden in England climbs to 36.3 percent of income

Official figures from the Office for National Statistics show tenants in England spent a median 36.3% of income on rent in 2024, up from 34.2% in 2023. In London the burden is larger, with 41.6% of income going to rent and monthly payments averaging £1,957.

The top ten least affordable council areas are all in London, led by Kensington and Chelsea at 74.3% of gross earnings. Outside London, affordability varies but areas such as Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset hover in the low forties when expressed as a share of income. The north east remains the most affordable region in England at 19.8% of income. Rents have been rising faster than wages, widening the gap between pay and housing costs.

These numbers reveal a wider failure of the housing market. A shortage of homes to rent meets a market that treats housing as an asset rather than a basic service. That mix pushes rents up even when wages rise, leaving many households juggling essentials and shelter. Policy responses matter here. The Renters' Reform Bill could improve security and standards, but critics say it does not address affordability at scale. Calls for a national rental affordability commission point to a need for a clear measurement of rents relative to incomes and for bold steps to curb excessive rent rises. The data also highlight how regional contrasts shape political risk for policymakers ahead of elections.

Highlights

Policy choices in the coming years will shape housing affordability for millions.