Glasgow Rents Cheapest - Edinburgh Rents Most Expensive - Aberdeen Rents Drop

13th March 2019

***Aberdeen is one of the only cities in the UK to see a decline in average monthly rental costs, dropping by £190 to £1,235 per month.

***Edinburgh is now the 45th most expensive city in Europe, with a three-bed home costing £1,529 per month

***Glasgow remains the cheapest in the UK, costing £1,050 per month, £479 cheaper than Edinburgh

***Rent in Manchester most expensive outside of London, 30th in Europe.

***Birmingham sees biggest rent increase in the UK, (£110) per month.

***Edinburgh re-enters top 50 most expensive rent in Europe.

***Dublin rent enters top five most expensive in Europe.

Rent in London is the most expensive in Europe for expats, averaging USD 7 189 (GBP 5 187) per month for a three-bed home according to the latest annual research published by global mobility experts, ECA International (ECA). Despite uncertainty around Brexit, demand for rental accommodation in London remains steady as young professionals are increasingly unable to buy within the M25.

Although rental costs decreased in central London (zone one) this year, rent in outer London remained stable. London maintains its position in the top five most expensive for rental accommodation in the world (4th), followed by Moscow, Zurich, Geneva and Dublin.

ECA's annual rental accommodation report analyses the rental prices for an unfurnished, mid-market, three-bedroom home in areas commonly inhabited by expatriates. According to this year's ECA housing report, the average rent in outer London is on the rise at USD 5 543 (GBP 4 000) per month, whereas the average rent in central London has fallen to USD 9 701 (GBP 7 000) for a three-bedroom apartment.

"A polarisation of rent changes was observed between properties in central and outer London since the previous year. Rents fell in prime neighbourhoods in London travel zone one, with salaries for top jobs largely stagnant and demand waning. Rents in outer London were more stable, but are anticipated to increase with London property purchases growing ever more out of the reach of many Londoners," explained Alec Smith, Accommodation Services Manager at ECA International.

Robust economy outside London

The jobs market is relatively buoyant in the UK which has caused a general increase in demand for rental accommodation in some of the UK's major cities. Manchester continues to have the most expensive rental accommodation in the UK outside of London and has re-entered the top 120 most expensive in the world (119th) this year. Ranking 30th in Europe, average rent in Manchester for a three-bedroom home is now USD 2 555 (GBP 1 844) per month, USD 351 (GBP 54) more expensive than last year. Birmingham has seen the largest rental cost increase in the UK at a staggering USD 415 (GBP 110) per month, and is the 36th most expensive city in Europe to rent in.

Smith continued: "Central Manchester has seen a large population growth in recent years and is now widely considered the second most important city in the UK economically. Numerous companies have relocated to the city, fuelling demand for rented accommodation, particularly in central areas."

Other than Central London, Aberdeen is the only UK city to see a decline in rental costs, dropping by USD 40 (GBP 190) per month, however Glasgow remains the cheapest city in the UK to rent a three-bedroom home, costing on average USD 1 455 (GBP 1 050) per month, GBP 794 less than in Manchester. Rent in Edinburgh on the other hand has re-entered the top 50 most expensive in Europe, costing USD 2 119 (GBP 1 529) on average per month and up USD 360 (GBP 101) on last year.

"The ongoing decline in the oil and gas industry has reduced the number of overseas renters in Aberdeen. With remaining workers having their housing budgets cut, average rent levels have followed suit. Changes in Scottish legislation in the past couple of years have affected the supply of rental accommodation in Edinburgh while demand remains strong. Tax increases on the purchase of second homes have increased landlords' costs, while the phasing out of shorthold assured tenancies means many landlords have increased rents to cover the perceived greater risks in renting out their properties.

Dublin rent enters top five most expensive in Europe

Dublin is now the 26th most expensive city in the world and fifth most expensive in Europe to rent a three-bedroom, unfurnished home. The Irish capital has risen by a staggering 35 places since last year's report by ECA. It reveals the average rental price has risen by USD 880 (EUR 277), an 8% increase on last year's figure of USD 3 311 (EUR 3 129) a month.

Smith said: "The past 10 years have seen a significant turnaround in the fortunes of Dublin's residential rental market. The global financial crisis exposed a property bubble in the Irish capital and rents have increased significantly with each subsequent year of recovery. The cost of renting has also been affected by elevated demand from international companies relocating staff while looking to take advantage of Ireland’s low corporate tax rate."

Rents rise across the Eurozone

Rental costs across Europe rose significantly through 2018, due in part to the strength of the Euro. Whilst Dublin saw the biggest rises in expatriate rental costs in Europe, major cities such as Madrid, Rome, Paris and Barcelona all saw increases over USD 500.

In Spain, Madrid saw the average expatriate rent rise by USD 650 to USD 2828 (EUR 2299), whilst in Barcelona rent increased by USD 566 to USD 2521 (EUR 2049).

Smith said "Madrid and Barcelona have reversed years of falling rents that followed in the wake of the global financial crisis. Their markets are flooded with renters, both from the local young professional population, and international assignees. Property purchase is now out of reach of the majority of city residents, keeping competition for tenancies high.

Meanwhile in Paris, as the city continues to target attracting business due to Brexit, demand remains strong for property in the French capital and expatriate rent has risen to USD 4090 (EUR 3324), an increase of over USD 700.

Hong Kong most expensive rent in the world

Elsewhere, Hong Kong remains the most expensive location in the world for expatriate rent, with typical expat accommodation averaging USD 10 929 per month. This is an increase of 4.9% from last year.

Smith explained: "Rents increased across Hong Kong during 2018 with limited availability, a long-term issue for the Hong Kong housing market, being the main driver. Rent increases are not just limited to central Hong Kong anymore either, with rents expected to rise throughout outlying neighbourhoods in 2019 too, as international firms seek more affordable office space and try to take advantage of cheaper suburbs."

Rental accommodation cost in China drops in global ranking

Chinese cities endured a mixed fortune throughout 2018 with major rent increases seen in some locations, but static or decreasing levels of rent in others. Shanghai was the highest placed Chinese city and the eighth most expensive city for expats to rent in globally, averaging USD 5 305 a month.

Smith said: “With a new property tax mooted to be introduced in Shanghai from 2020, many landlords are now choosing to sell their properties rather than continuing to rent them out. This has led to a reduction in the availability of rented accommodation, prompting some rent increases."

New York retains second spot despite rents dropping

New York remains the second most expensive city in the world for overseas workers to rent in, and by far the most expensive location in the Americas. However, rental costs have dropped by over USD 250 since last year, as demand dropped slightly.

Smith explained “2018 saw the market delivery of a large number of newly constructed rental properties. This eased issues with low vacancy rates that normally apply in New York, leading to some modest decreases in average rents."

Source - www.eca-international.com/news/march-2019/london-rent-most-expensive-in-europe-for-expats-4