How Have Rents Changed in Your Area This Year?
While London's overall rent growth has been moderating, there are significant differences between areas. Here we look at the latest data for the key neighbourhoods where Japanese expatriates tend to live.
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Major Reform Affecting Tenancy Agreements, Renewals and Terminations in the UK
The Renters’ Rights Act is being introduced in stages toward 2026, and in day-to-day rental practice we are already seeing situations where the traditional approach no longer applies.
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While London's overall rent growth has been moderating, there are significant differences between areas. Here we look at the latest data for the key neighbourhoods where Japanese expatriates tend to live.
The London-wide average rent stands at £2,253 per month as of January 2026, up just +1.1% year-on-year. This is a significant slowdown from the sharp annual increases of 9–11%+ seen between 2022 and 2024 (ONS). The market is now in a period of stabilisation, and the area-by-area figures below are best read with this context in mind.
| London Average (all areas) | £2,253 / month | 1.1% year-on-year |
| Area | Profile | Avg. Rent (pcm) | YoY Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West — Ealing | Near Japanese school & shops Popular with families | £2,051 | +1.4% | Near London avg. Room to negotiate |
| North — Barnet | Finchley area Excellent local primary schools | £1,923 | +6.3% | ~6x London avg. growth rate |
| South West — Richmond | Incl. Wimbledon area Popular with expat families | £2,254 | +5.2% | High competition for quality homes |
| North West — St John's Wood / Swiss Cottage | Near Japanese School in London Camden borough (Nov 2025) | £2,743 | +2.3% | Strong demand from Japanese families |
| East — Tower Hamlets | Canary Wharf area Suited to singles & couples | £2,389 | +2.1% | Steady market |
London Average (all areas)
1.1%
West - Ealing
Near Japanese school & shops Popular with families
+1.4%
Near London avg. Room to negotiate
North — Barnet
Finchley area Excellent local primary schools
+6.3%
~6x London avg. growth rate
South West — Richmond
Incl. Wimbledon area Popular with expat families
+5.2%
High competition for quality homes
North West — St John's Wood / Swiss Cottage
Near Japanese School in London Camden borough (Nov 2025)
+2.3%
Strong demand from Japanese families
East — Tower Hamlets
Canary Wharf area Suited to singles & couples
+2.1%
Steady market
Figures are averages across all property sizes regardless of number of bedrooms.
Average advertised rents are forecast to rise by a further 2% in 2026. The balance between supply and demand has improved significantly, and competition among tenants is less intense than in recent years. However, a chronic shortage of rental homes continues to put upward pressure on rents.
Important reforms to tenancy agreements, renewals and terminations are currently being introduced in stages. The Renters' Rights Act is already beginning to affect day-to-day rental practice, and some approaches that were previously standard may no longer apply.
For further information, please see our article on this topic or contact us directly.
Ken's Estate offers bilingual Japanese-English support across all aspects of renting in London.
020 4506 0270 | 218 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5QP | kensestate.com
Sources
ONS Price Index of Private Rents — Housing prices in your area