How Are London Flatshare Rents Changing in 2026?

If you’re a working professional planning a move or renewal in London, understanding current rent trends helps you make smarter decisions and budget with confidence. In 2026, the picture is still one of high demand and limited supply, but rent growth is showing signs of moderating compared with several previous years of rapid increases.

1. Rents Are Still High, but Growth Is Slowing

After years of significant rent increases, the pace of growth in London’s rental market is slowing.
Average advertised rents across London climbed steadily through 2025, and they remain some of the highest in the UK.

For example, the average private rent across London was more than £2,700 per month in mid-2025, still far above the UK average.

Research tracking flatshare rooms shows similar dynamics for shared living. London room rents have risen sharply over the past five years, with average rents nearing £1,000 per month as of late 2025.

However, rental growth has cooled when compared with the years following the pandemic. Between April 2024 and April 2025, London rents rose by only around 1.5 %. This is considerably slower than previous years, and some boroughs even showed flat or slightly falling rents.

2. Forecasts Suggest Modest Rent Increases in 2026

Industry forecasts indicate that overall rental prices in 2026 are expected to rise, but at a moderate pace rather than a sharp jump. Rightmove’s market tracker predicts average advertised rents may increase by about 2 % over the course of 2026, reflecting continued strong demand and undersupply.

Other property market observers suggest similar estimates of 1 % to 4 % growth for the London rental market through 2026, depending on location, neighbourhood regeneration projects, and improvements in transport links.

3. Room Rents Still Comparatively High

For flatshares specifically, average room rents have remained near record levels. Recent data shows room rents have increased by around 37 % over the past five years, with the average London room now close to £995 per month.

This trend highlights that even though growth is slowing, flatshare rents remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels and still represent a major portion of take-home pay for many renters.

What’s Driving These Trends?

Several factors are shaping rental prices in London in 2026:

Tight Supply and Strong Demand

There are still more renters chasing rooms than there are listings, maintaining upward pressure on prices. London’s rental market vacancy rate remains relatively low compared with historical averages, signaling a constrained supply.

Inflation and Affordability Limits

Wider economic conditions, including cost-of-living pressures and wage growth trends, are influencing how far rents can rise. Slower wage growth relative to rent increases has tempered how much landlords can push rents without losing interest from tenants.

Shifts in Where Professionals Rent

Flatsharers, including international professionals; are increasingly looking at outer London and well-connected suburbs to find better value, which can moderate prices in inner areas but push demand outward.

What This Means for Professionals Searching for Flatshares

Budgeting Realistically

Even with slower growth, average London rent remains high compared with other UK cities. If you are planning to secure a professional flatshare, preparing for rents close to or just under £1,000 per month for rooms in popular zones is a realistic expectation.

Exploring Value Areas

Dedicated flatshare platforms like Right Room help professionals target areas where rents are more stable or affordable while still offering strong transport links and community amenities.

Actively Searching

Slowing growth doesn’t mean rents are falling everywhere — in desirable postcodes or near key transport hubs, demand can keep prices firm or pushing up modestly.

Managing Expectations

While rent growth may be more moderate in 2026 compared with the rapid rises of recent years, prices are not falling broadly across London. Shared accommodation remains an important option to make living in the capital more affordable.

How Right Room Helps Professionals Navigate Rent Trends

Right Room is designed to support professionals in a dynamic rental market like London’s, offering:

• Verified shared living options with clear pricing, helping you compare costs across zones and neighbourhoods
  
  

• Insight into average flatshare room rents and how they change over time
  
  

• Access to properties that balance affordability with quality and commute convenience
  
  

• Guidance on budgeting rent and bills, so you can make confident financial planning decisions
  
  

By focusing on professional rentals and transparent listings, Right Room takes the uncertainty out of a market where average rents and expectations continue to evolve.