Rents across Scotland rose by just 2.4 percent over the past year – below the inflation rate of 3.11 percent – as the rental market shows signs of stabilising after years of sharp increases.
Analysis from DJ Alexander, Scotland’s largest lettings agency, shows average rents reached £1,022 per month in February 2026, up £21 from the same period last year.
England and Wales see higher rent growth
Scotland’s below-inflation rent growth contrasts with stronger rises elsewhere in Great Britain. In England, rents increased by 3.6 percent to reach £1,430 per month – an increase of £44. Wales saw the sharpest rise at 5.5 percent, with average rents reaching £828 per month.
The data suggests that Scotland’s rental market is finding a more sustainable level, though significant regional variation remains within the country.
This follows Landlord Knowledge’s March report on falling rental competition, which showed tenant demand softening across the UK as more properties come to market.
Sharp regional differences within Scotland
Ten Scottish regions recorded above-inflation rent rises, while eight showed below-inflation growth – highlighting the uneven nature of the rental market recovery.
West Lothian led with a 9.8 percent increase, pushing average rents up by £79 to £915 per month. The Ayrshire area followed with a 6.3 percent rise to £657, while Greater Glasgow saw rents climb 5.6 percent to reach £1,275.
At the other end of the scale, Lothian – which includes Edinburgh – saw minimal growth of just 0.2 percent, with rents rising by £4 to £1,428. Fife and Dundee and Angus actually recorded small falls of £3 and £10 respectively.
Affordability picture varies by location
Lothian, Greater Glasgow, and East Dunbartonshire remain the most expensive areas, with average rents of £1,428, £1,275, and £1,151 respectively. Dumfries and Galloway offers the most affordable rents at £554 per month, followed by Ayrshire at £657 and the Borders at £706.
David Alexander, chief executive officer of DJ Alexander Scotland, said: “These figures continue the trend which began last year and shows how the private rented sector has stabilised in Scotland and is now returning to more normal patterns of growth.”
What this means for landlords
- If you’re investing in Scotland: West Lothian and Glasgow offer stronger rental growth, though come with higher purchase costs. The commuter belt is outpacing city centres.
- Watch for: Whether Edinburgh’s near-flat rental growth signals oversupply or affordability constraints limiting what tenants can pay.
- Bottom line: Scottish rents are stabilising rather than falling – a sign of a maturing market rather than distress, but landlords should not expect the double-digit growth seen in previous years.
Editor’s view
Scotland’s rental stabilisation is instructive for the rest of the UK. After years of sharp increases, rents are settling where tenants can actually afford to pay. West Lothian’s continued growth reflects the work-from-home shift pushing demand into commuter areas – a pattern likely to persist.
Author: Editorial Team – UK landlord & buy-to-let news, policy, and finance
Published: 1 April 2026
Sources: DJ Alexander
Related reading: Brighton leads UK rent surge with 15% spike as South Coast outpaces London
