London rents rise 2.2% to £2,302 a month, K&C still tops, Bexley cheapest

The Office for National Statistics released new private‑rental figures for July 2026, showing a city‑wide increase of 2.2% over the previous year. The average monthly rent across all London boroughs now stands at £2,302, up from £2,252 in July 2025. Londonist reported the rise and noted that 28 of the 32 boroughs recorded higher rents.

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London‑wide rent increase

The ONS figures cover every property type, from studio flats to multi‑roomed houses. While the upward trend continues, Londonist highlighted that the rate of growth is slowing, with the ONS noting seven consecutive months of smaller month‑on‑month rises. The slowdown suggests that the market may be responding to broader economic pressures.

Kensington & Chelsea remains most expensive

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Kensington & Chelsea retained its position as the priciest borough, where the average rent reached £3,596 per month. The Londonist article said the figure fell slightly from £3,616 a year earlier, but it remains well above the London average. A one‑bedroom flat in the borough costs about £2,572 per month, according to the same source.

Bexley stays at the low end

Bexley continued to offer the lowest average rent in the capital, with a monthly figure of £1,528. Londonist noted that this amount is still higher than the English national average of £1,446, but it is less than half the cost of renting in Kensington & Chelsea. A one‑bedroom property in Bexley averages £1,531 per month.

What the figures mean for Barnet residents

Barnet Council has not released a borough‑specific average from the ONS release, leaving local tenants without a direct comparison. Without a published figure, residents must rely on broader London data or private market surveys to gauge affordability. The council’s housing team advises renters to monitor upcoming quarterly updates from the ONS, which may eventually break down data to the borough level.

For those seeking assistance, Barnet’s housing advice service remains open for enquiries about rent budgeting and eligibility for council‑supported schemes. The service can also help tenants understand how the city‑wide rise may affect future rent‑to‑income ratios, a key metric used by local authorities when assessing housing need.