Average rents in Scotland have risen 1.7% over the last 12 months according to an analysis by the country’s largest lettings agency. 

DJ Alexander Ltd, assessing data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), says in the year to July 2026 average rents increased by £17 to reach £1,016 which was the smallest increase of any part of the UK.

Across the other countries in the UK the greatest percentage increase was in Wales where average rents rose 4.5% (£843); in England they increased by 3.8% 9£1,451); while in Northern Ireland they were up 2.3% (£875).

Within Scotland there are enormous price differences with the Lothians – and this is primarily driven by Edinburgh – the highest at £1,415, followed by Greater Glasgow on £1,264; East Dunbartonshire on £1,169; West Lothian £972; and West Dunbartonshire at £942.

The areas with the lowest average rents are the Highlands and Islands on £733; Perth and Kinross at £729; Borders on £707; Ayrshire at £646; and Dumfries and Galloway on £554.

David Alexander, chief executive of DJ Alexander Scotland, comments: “There is little sign of any downturn in the private rented sector (PRS) and Edinburgh’s forecast population growth will ensure that the capital continues to require an expanding rental market. 

“Edinburgh’s working age population rose by 33,000 between 2014 and 2024 which was a 10% increase. In Scotland this population only rose by 1.7% over the same period.

“I remain optimistic that the PRS will continue to be a formidable and important part of the housing market in the decades to come.”