UK annual rental price change: Northern Ireland
UK annual rental price change: Northern Ireland stood at 1.58% in Jun 2026, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is one of the indicators in the Private rents table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jan 2016 to Jun 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Private rents table
| Indicator | 08-2026 | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual rental price change by region | |||||||||||
| Northern Ireland | 1.58 | 2.25 | 2.9 | 3.28 | 4.03 | 4.97 | 5.16 | 5.59 | |||
| London | 3.52 | 2.99 | 2.23 | 2.04 | 2 | 1.66 | 1.69 | 1.07 | 2.09 | 2.8 |
Understanding UK annual rental price change: Northern Ireland
Private residential tenancy agreements across Northern Ireland are evaluated to construct the annual percentage shift in occupancy costs. This metric measures administrative data compiled from public housing benefit records and private administrative sources to capture twelve-month changes in housing expenses. Unlike aggregated national metrics, this regional series isolates the local tenancy market dynamics distinct from mainland jurisdictions. Excluded from the calculation are employer-provided accommodation arrangements and holiday lets, ensuring the focus remains strictly on unfurnished and furnished private residential lets. The methodology captures administrative price points rather than newly advertised properties, reflecting changes experienced by all active tenants.
Interpreting this index requires consideration of collection lags inherent in administrative records compared with market-advertised asking rents. Revisions may occur as additional housing benefit updates are integrated into subsequent releases, altering initial percentage estimates. Analysts should use the twelve-month comparison rather than monthly movements to avoid seasonal distortion caused by academic calendar shifts or lease renewal patterns. Comparing this figure directly with unadjusted earnings growth provides an accurate perspective on tenant affordability pressures within the region.
Frequently asked questions
- How does this series differ from mainland regional rent indices?
- It relies heavily on administrative housing benefit data unique to the Northern Ireland administration rather than direct letting agent returns.
- Are newly signed tenancy agreements weighted differently from existing lets?
- The metric tracks both new and existing tenancies to reflect the entire active rental stock rather than solely marginal market movements.
- Why is the twelve-month percentage change preferred over month-on-month figures?
- Annual comparisons remove standard seasonal leasing cycles that typically influence tenancy renewals during specific quarters.