Private sector rent rises outstripping inflation in some parts of Scotland

Private sector rent for one, two and three bedroom properties has increased on average over the last year according to Scottish Government figures.

Statistics on annual average private sector rents from 2024 to the end of September 2025 showed that, on average, one bedroom properties increase 4% or £28 per month reaching an average of £738.

On average, two bedroom properties increased by 3.1% or £28 per month reaching an average of £921 and three bedroom properties increased 1.6% or £18 per month reaching £1,154 on average per month.

Two bedroom properties are the most common privately rented property in Scotland.

On average, four bedroom properties decreased 1.5% or £26 per month falling to falling to £1,767 per month.

While the price for a one bedroom in shared properties increased by 5.5% or £29 per month, reaching £560 per month.

In 12 areas rent increases exceeded the average 12-month UK CPI inflation rate of 3.1% for two bedroom properties.

The highest increase in average two bed rents were seen in Dumfries and Galloway which increased by 13% or £64 per month.

In Dundee and Angus and in Lothian, average two bed rents decreased by 5.3% or £43 and 0.1% or £2 respectively.

However, Lothian had the highest average monthly two bedroom rent of £1,356 in the year to end September 2025.

Dumfries and Galloway had the lowest average monthly two bedroom rent of £569.

Data is used from the Rent Service Scotland market evidence database, which is collected for the purposes of determining annual Local Housing Allowance levels.

These statistics are based predominantly on advertised rents and reflect rents that landlords are charging when their properties become available for rent at the point of tenant turnover or when properties are new to the rental market.

Since 2010, four areas have seen average rent increases at or above the average rate of inflation for all property sizes. These were Dundee and Angus, Forth Valley, Greater Glasgow and Lothian.