Average rents remained flat across England and Wales in July despite inflation-beating rises in some areas.

Your Move data shows that average rents in England and Wales remained at £861 per month during July.

The south-west had the fastest growing rents in England and Wales, up 3.7% to £686 per month on average.

This is more than the current inflation rate of 2.5%.

Tenants in the east midlands also saw rents grow above the cost of living at 2.9% annually to £656 a month.

The east of England was the third fastest growing region, with rents rising 1.9% to £890 a month during July.

London remained the area with the highest rents, but registered a 1.2% fall year-on-year to £1,271.

The north-east was the cheapest area and saw the biggest decline, with rents falling by 1.3% to £535 a month.

In Wales, prices dropped by 0.9% in the year to July, with the average rent at £588.

Martyn Alderton, national lettings director at Your Move, said:
 “One benefit of the slowdown in the London rental market has been that it now shines the spotlight on other areas of England and Wales.

“The south-west of England has been the stand-out region in the last 
year, with rents rising consistently in areas of high demand.

“Prices in the east midlands and east of England have also increased strongly, showing there is demand for rental properties outside of London and the south-east.

“London continues to have the highest rents, but there are still good 
pockets of value around the capital, particularly in areas further from the city centre.”