Rents in Croydon have surged over the past year, new official figures show, highlighting a persistent and "unhealthy imbalance" in the capital's rental market.
Croydon Outpaces London Average
Provisional data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicates that the average private rent in Croydon reached £1,542 per month in the year to November 2025. This marks a significant 5 per cent increase from the £1,472 recorded a year prior.
This rise outpaces the broader London average, where rents climbed 3 per cent to £2,271 per month. The figures, collected by Valuation Office Agency rent officers from landlords and letting agents, also reveal a stark long-term trend: Croydon's average rent is now 30 per cent higher than it was five years ago, when it stood at an estimated £1,188.
A Capital Divided: From Kensington to Bexley
The data paints a picture of a two-tier London rental market. At the top end, the borough of Kensington and Chelsea maintained its position as the most expensive, with average rents hitting £3,634 per month. In contrast, Bexley offered the most affordable rents in the capital at £1,521, just below Croydon's average.
Across Great Britain, the average private rent in November was £1,377, representing a £57 (4 per cent) annual increase.
Propertymark Warns of Market Imbalance
Nathan Emerson, chief executive of the estate agent membership body Propertymark, responded to the figures. He noted that while rental inflation has been trending downwards through 2025, the fundamental issue remains. "There remains an unhealthy imbalance between rental supply and demand," Emerson stated, "which continues to contribute to rental prices edging upwards."
He welcomed the focus on higher standards and consumer protection for renters but emphasised a critical need: "It also remains fundamentally important that investment is encouraged to keep pace with ever-growing demand, as the population continues to expand."
Breakdown of Croydon Rental Costs
The statistics also provide a detailed look at the cost of different property types in Croydon as of November:
- A one-bedroom property averaged £1,232 per month.
- A four-bedroom (or larger) home cost £2,610.
- Detached houses commanded £2,561.
- Semi-detached homes averaged £1,947.
- Terraced houses were £1,745.
- Flats and maisonettes rented for £1,402 on average.
The release of this data coincides with the launch of an interactive map, allowing residents to compare how rents in Croydon stack up against the rest of London and the wider UK.
