Tenants in England spending ‘unaffordable’ 36% of income on rent, shows survey

Terrace housing in North Kensington. Tenants pay an average of 42% of their income on rent in London, topped by Kensington and Chelsea where the figure rises to 74%. Photograph: Simon McComb/Alamy

Renting homes in England is becoming increasing unaffordable, according to official figures that show tenants pay an average of 36.3% of their income on rent, a figure that rises to 41.6% in London.

People earning a median salary spent 36.3% of their income on an average-priced rented home in England in 2024, up from 34.2% in 2023, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).