More sail across the pond as Stateside rents hit record levels

The number of US citizens renting properties in the UK has risen by almost a third (32%) since January 2025, when Donald Trump began his second term in office, with almost twice that number (63%) taking out new tenancies in Scotland.

The research, by Goodlord, shows that the North West of England has seen a 60% rise in American renters while Wales and the South East have each seen a 50% increase. Meanwhile, Greater London has seen a 29% surge in US citizens renting in the capital. 

In fact, every region has seen an increase in US renters over the last 18 months, with the smallest rise recorded in the North East of England at 2%.

Goodlord analysed more than 300,000 tenancy agreements to compare trends from January 2025 to June 2026 with those recorded in the 18 months before Trump returned to office.

Record US rents

However, it may not just be Trump’s policies that are prompting US citizens to choose the UK. The UK also offers comparatively low rents when compared to the US. US tech and business hubs such as San Francisco and New York have seen record rental highs recently, with the median cost of a rental in Manhattan reaching $5,000 dollars (£3,766) a month earlier this year, according to the New York Post.  

By comparison, Goodlord’s analysis reveals the average monthly rent paid by US citizens in London stands at £2,410 ($3,178), since Trump took office, while in Scotland they are paying an average of £1,711 ($2,256) per month. 

The average age of US renters taking up new tenancies in Britain is 33.

William Reeve, CEO at Goodlord, said: “These figures give further weight to claims that volatility in US politics is driving many Americans to seek a new home in the UK. But while the President’s controversial policy agenda will be the key push factor for some, comparatively low rents on this side of the Atlantic also appear to make the UK a more attractive place to rent. Though the UK’s lower salaries may initially come as a shock to young professionals crossing the pond, cheaper rents in British cities seem to soften the blow, convincing many to make the switch.”