2.2% increase in average Scots private 2-bed rents

Rent BoardsRents have soared by more than a third in some parts of Scotland over the past five years, according to new figures.

Official statistics show the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom property in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire rose by 36 per cent between 2010 and 2015.

The area has experienced a dip of 2.7 per cent in the last year, but still has the highest monthly average at £874.

Over the last five years rents in Lothian increased by 24.7 per cent, while in Glasgow they rose by 18.5 per cent, both over the rate of inflation.



in Greater Glasgow the rise was These ranged from 6.6 per cent, and 6.4 per cent in Lothian, 0.6 per cent in South Lanarkshire and 0.4 per cent in Forth Valley.

Five areas saw decreases, these were Scottish Borders (-0.1 per cent), Ayrshires (-0.1), West Dunbartonshire (-0.5 per cent), Fife (-2.3 per cent) and Aberdeen and Shire (-2.7 per cent).

These regional trends combine to show a 2.2 per cent increase in average rents over the latest year from 2014 to 2015.

Different trends were seen over the cumulative 5 year period from 2010 to 2015. Most 2 bedroom average rents changed below the rate of inflation over this time period, except for Aberdeen and Shire, Lothian and Greater Glasgow.

Statistics on private sector rent levels from 2010 to 2015 have been released today by Scotland’s Chief Statistician.

For the remaining areas of Scotland, cumulative increases over the last 5 years have ranged from 8.2 per cent (Highlands and Islands) to 0.5 per cent (Scottish Borders).

Two areas of the country have seen cumulative decreases in average rents from 2010 to 2015 - Ayrshires (-0.8 per cent) and West Dunbartonshire (-3.2 per cent). These regional trends combine to show a 13.7 per cent cumulative increase in average rents from 2010 to 2015 for 2 bedroom properties at the Scotland level.

For the year to end-September 2015, Aberdeen and Shire had the highest average monthly rents for 2 bedroom properties across Scotland (£874). Other areas with high rents included Lothian (£829), Greater Glasgow (£668), and East Dunbartonshire (£611). Areas with the lowest average rents for 2 bedroom properties included Scottish Borders (£444), Dumfries and Galloway (£446), and the Ayrshires (£461).

Figures on changes to rents should be considered in the context of the cumulative increase in the UK Consumer Price Index of 11.6% from Sept-10 to Sept-15.

The figures released today were produced in accordance with professional standards set out in the Code of Practice for Official Statistics.

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