What are rents like in Bristol right now? (2026)

If you're looking to rent or invest in Bristol, you're probably wondering what typical rents look like right now.

This article breaks down current rental prices in Bristol by property size and neighborhood, explains who's renting, and covers the costs landlords should expect.

We keep this blog post constantly updated so you always have the freshest numbers available.

And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Bristol.

Who is the author of this content?

INVESTROPA

A team specialized in real estate investing in European countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Bristol. If you’d like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

What are typical rents in Bristol as of 2026?

What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Bristol as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio in Bristol is around 975 pounds (approximately 1,315 USD or 1,140 EUR).

Most studios fall within 900 to 1,100 pounds per month (roughly 1,215 to 1,485 USD or 1,055 to 1,290 EUR), depending on location and building quality.

The main factors causing studio rents to vary include proximity to the city centre, whether the building is modern or converted, and access to transport links like Temple Meads station.

What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Bristol as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Bristol is around 1,125 pounds (approximately 1,520 USD or 1,315 EUR).

Most 1-bedroom rentals fall within 1,050 to 1,250 pounds per month (roughly 1,420 to 1,690 USD or 1,230 to 1,465 EUR), with newer builds and central locations at the higher end.

For the cheapest 1-bedroom rents, look at Brislington, Fishponds, or Easton, while Clifton, Harbourside, and Redland command the highest prices.

What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Bristol as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Bristol is around 1,625 pounds (approximately 2,195 USD or 1,900 EUR).

Most 2-bedroom rentals fall within 1,500 to 1,850 pounds per month (roughly 2,025 to 2,500 USD or 1,755 to 2,165 EUR), with significant variation by neighborhood.

The cheapest 2-bedroom rents are in outer areas like Knowle, Hartcliffe, or Lawrence Weston, while premium locations like Clifton Village, Spike Island, and Sneyd Park are most expensive.

By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Bristol.

What's the average rent per square meter in Bristol as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Bristol is around 23 pounds per month (approximately 31 USD or 27 EUR).

Across Bristol neighborhoods, rent per square meter ranges from 20 to 27 pounds (roughly 27 to 36 USD or 23 to 32 EUR), with central and waterfront areas commanding the highest rates.

Compared to other major UK cities, Bristol sits above the national average but below London, roughly comparable to Manchester and Birmingham.

Characteristics that push rent per square meter above average include modern finishes, outdoor space, allocated parking, and high energy efficiency ratings.

How much have rents changed year-over-year in Bristol in 2026?

As of early 2026, Bristol rents have increased by approximately 6% year-over-year, based on the latest official data from late 2025.

The main factors driving rent changes include strong demand from students and young professionals, persistent housing supply constraints, and Bristol's growing reputation as a tech and creative hub.

This year's growth is slightly slower than the post-pandemic surge of 2022 to 2024 when annual increases exceeded 8%, suggesting the market is stabilizing.

What's the outlook for rent growth in Bristol in 2026?

As of early 2026, Bristol rents are projected to grow by approximately 3% to 4% over the coming year, a moderation from recent higher growth rates.

Key factors include Bank of England rate cuts making homeownership more accessible, strong employment in tech and professional services, and steady student demand from Bristol's two universities.

Neighborhoods expected to see strongest growth include Temple Meads surroundings, regenerating harbour zones, and family suburbs like Westbury-on-Trym where supply remains tight.

Risks that could alter projections include interest rate changes, new rental supply from completed developments, or economic slowdowns in Bristol's key industries.

We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in the UK. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.

Which neighborhoods rent best in Bristol as of 2026?

Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Bristol as of 2026?

As of early 2026, Bristol's highest-rent neighborhoods are Clifton and Clifton Village (1,400 to 1,800 pounds for a 1-bed, roughly 1,890 to 2,430 USD or 1,640 to 2,105 EUR), Harbourside and Wapping Wharf (1,350 to 1,700 pounds), and Redland (1,250 to 1,600 pounds).

These neighborhoods command premiums due to period architecture or modern waterfront living, excellent walkability, proximity to employment, and scarce housing stock.

Typical tenants include senior professionals, lifestyle-focused couples, wealthy postgraduate students, and expats seeking desirable areas.

By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Bristol.

Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Bristol right now?

The top Bristol neighborhoods for young professionals are Harbourside and Wapping Wharf for modern apartments, Southville and Bedminster for independent cafes and bars, and Stokes Croft and Montpelier for creative energy.

Young professionals typically pay 1,100 to 1,500 pounds for a 1-bedroom (roughly 1,485 to 2,025 USD or 1,290 to 1,755 EUR), or 1,400 to 1,900 pounds for a shared 2-bedroom.

Attractive features include walkability to bars and restaurants, easy cycling routes, vibrant social scenes, and good public transport.

By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Bristol.

Where do families prefer to rent in Bristol right now?

Top Bristol neighborhoods for families are Westbury-on-Trym for village atmosphere and schools, Henleaze for quiet streets and green spaces, and Bishopston for family-friendly community near Gloucester Road.

Families renting 2 to 3 bedroom homes typically pay 1,600 to 2,200 pounds per month (roughly 2,160 to 2,970 USD or 1,870 to 2,575 EUR), with larger houses reaching 2,500 pounds or more.

Attractive features include highly-rated schools, parks for children, safe residential streets, and good commuter connections.

Top-rated schools nearby include Westbury Park Primary, Henleaze Junior School, Cotham School, and several outstanding Ofsted-rated primaries in Bishopston and Redland.

Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Bristol in 2026?

As of early 2026, the fastest-renting Bristol areas are Clifton and Cotham (near University of Bristol), Temple Meads and Totterdown (near the main rail station), and Frenchay and Stoke Gifford (near UWE).

Properties in these areas typically stay listed just 10 to 20 days, compared to 4 to 6 weeks in less connected locations.

The rent premium near transit or universities is typically 5% to 10%, translating to 50 to 125 pounds extra per month for a 1-bedroom.

Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Bristol right now?

Bristol's most expat-popular neighborhoods are Clifton for international feel and walkable charm, Harbourside for easy modern living, and Redland for spacious family homes near schools.

Expats typically pay 1,200 to 1,800 pounds for a 1-bedroom (roughly 1,620 to 2,430 USD or 1,405 to 2,105 EUR), or 1,700 to 2,500 pounds for a furnished family 2-bedroom.

Attractive features include furnished options, proximity to international employers, English language schools, and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Most represented nationalities include European professionals (France, Germany, Spain), American and Australian academics and tech workers, and families from South Asia and the Middle East.

And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Bristol.

Who rents, and what do tenants want in Bristol right now?

What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Bristol?

The top three tenant profiles in Bristol are students (University of Bristol and UWE), young professionals in tech, finance, and creative industries, and families renting by choice or while saving.

Students make up roughly 25% to 30% of rentals in central areas, young professionals account for 35% to 40% of demand for 1 and 2-bedroom flats, and families represent around 20% to 25% in suburbs.

Students seek shared houses near campus, young professionals want apartments in walkable areas, and families look for 3 to 4 bedroom houses with gardens near good schools.

If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Bristol.

Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Bristol?

Bristol's rental market splits roughly 45% furnished to 55% unfurnished overall, though student areas skew heavily furnished while family suburbs favor unfurnished.

The rent premium for furnished apartments is around 10% to 15%, translating to roughly 100 to 175 pounds extra per month for a typical 1-bedroom.

Tenants preferring furnished rentals include students, relocating professionals and expats, and short-term renters staying less than a year.

Which amenities increase rent the most in Bristol?

The top five rent-boosting amenities in Bristol are allocated parking, private outdoor space, a second bathroom, high energy efficiency ratings, and fast broadband.

Allocated parking adds 50 to 100 pounds monthly, outdoor space adds 75 to 150 pounds, a second bathroom adds 50 to 100 pounds, high EPC ratings add 25 to 75 pounds, and premium broadband adds 20 to 40 pounds.

In our property pack covering the real estate market in Bristol, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.

What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Bristol?

The top five ROI renovations for Bristol rentals are heating and insulation upgrades, kitchen refreshes, bathroom modernization, durable flooring, and window improvements.

Heating upgrades cost 2,000 to 5,000 pounds and add 25 to 75 pounds monthly; kitchen refreshes cost 3,000 to 6,000 pounds and add 50 to 100 pounds; bathroom updates cost 2,000 to 4,000 pounds and add 30 to 60 pounds; flooring costs 1,500 to 3,000 pounds and adds 20 to 40 pounds; windows cost 3,000 to 8,000 pounds and add 25 to 50 pounds.

Poor-ROI renovations to avoid include luxury overhauls exceeding tenant expectations, expensive smart home technology, and highly personal design choices.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in the UK versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.

How strong is rental demand in Bristol as of 2026?

What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Bristol as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the estimated vacancy rate for Bristol rentals is around 2%, reflecting a tight market where demand outpaces supply.

Across neighborhoods, vacancy rates range from 1% to 1.5% in high-demand areas like Clifton, up to 3% to 4% in outer suburbs with weaker transport.

The current 2% rate is below the historical average of 3% to 4% seen in the early 2010s, reflecting sustained pressure since the pandemic.

Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Bristol.

How many days do rentals stay listed in Bristol as of 2026?

As of early 2026, well-priced Bristol rentals stay listed around 14 to 21 days, with desirable properties often finding tenants within one to two weeks.

Days on market ranges from 7 to 10 days for competitively priced 1-beds near universities or transport, up to 6 to 8 weeks for overpriced properties.

Current figures are slightly longer than one year ago when peak demand saw properties let within days, suggesting a more balanced but still landlord-favorable market.

Which months have peak tenant demand in Bristol?

Peak demand months in Bristol are August and September when students return, followed by January and February when professionals make new year job moves.

Factors driving seasonality include university academic calendars, corporate relocation cycles, and post-Christmas reassessments of living situations.

Lowest demand months are November and December during holidays, and mid-summer June to July when students have secured housing.

What will my monthly costs be in Bristol as of 2026?

What property taxes should landlords expect in Bristol as of 2026?

As of early 2026, annual council tax in Bristol ranges from around 1,500 to 3,500 pounds (approximately 2,025 to 4,725 USD or 1,755 to 4,095 EUR) depending on band, though tenants usually pay directly.

The range spans roughly 1,300 pounds for Band A to over 4,000 pounds for Band H, with most rental properties in Bands B to D.

Council tax is calculated by band based on 1991 valuations; landlords typically only pay during void periods or in certain HMO structures.

Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Bristol, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.

What maintenance budget per year is realistic in Bristol right now?

A realistic annual maintenance budget for Bristol rentals is around 3,000 to 4,000 pounds (approximately 4,050 to 5,400 USD or 3,510 to 4,680 EUR), based on setting aside roughly 1% of property value.

Costs range from 2,000 pounds for newer properties to 6,000 pounds or more for older period homes with ongoing issues.

Most Bristol landlords set aside 8% to 12% of rental income for maintenance, helping smooth lumpy costs like boiler replacements.

What utilities do landlords often pay in Bristol right now?

Utilities Bristol landlords commonly pay include energy in bills-included student HMOs and short lets, water in all-inclusive arrangements, and occasionally broadband in furnished properties.

Monthly costs are around 145 pounds for energy (based on Ofgem's price cap), 35 to 45 pounds for combined water and sewerage, and 25 to 40 pounds for broadband.

Common practice is tenants paying all utilities directly in standard tenancies, while landlords cover utilities in student HMOs and serviced accommodation.

How is rental income taxed in Bristol as of 2026?

As of early 2026, rental income in Bristol is taxed at your marginal income tax rate (20%, 40%, or 45%) on profit after allowable deductions.

Main deductions include mortgage interest (partially, via basic rate tax credit), letting agent fees, maintenance costs, insurance, and accountancy fees; improvements are not deductible.

A common Bristol-specific mistake is misclassifying repairs versus improvements on period properties, leading to incorrect claims that trigger HMRC inquiries.

We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Bristol.

We made this infographic to show you how property prices in the UK compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.

What sources have we used to write this blog article?

Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Bristol, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.

We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used and explained how we used them.

Source	Why it's authoritative	How we used it
ONS Housing Prices in Bristol	The UK's official statistics agency publishing authoritative rent and price estimates.	We used it as our anchor for Bristol-wide average rent and year-over-year change, then calibrated by-bedroom figures accordingly.
ONS Private Rent and House Prices UK	Official ONS release for national rent inflation and housing market context.	We used it to check Bristol's direction against national trends and avoid over-extrapolating from local data.
VOA Private Rented Market Statistics	Government's official description of how rent data is collected by Rent Officers.	We used it to understand what the official rent sample represents and as methodological backing for typical rents by size.
ONS Private Rental Market Statistics England	ONS dataset built from VOA rent data and published as official statistics.	We used it for the structure of bedroom splits, then scaled to match the latest ONS Bristol citywide level.
Zoopla Rental Market Report	Major national property index with transparent methodology and large dataset.	We used it for market context including demand, supply, time to let, and to frame Bristol's 2026 outlook.
Rightmove Rental Trends Tracker	UK's largest property portal publishing widely cited rental indicators.	We used it to cross-check time-to-let and describe what renters see in the advertised market.
Bank of England Monetary Policy Summary	UK central bank; policy rates directly affect landlord costs and renter-to-buyer flows.	We used it to set the macro backdrop of rate cuts influencing rental demand and homebuying shifts.
OBR Economic and Fiscal Outlook	UK's official fiscal watchdog publishing independent macro forecasts.	We used it to triangulate the 2026 economic backdrop and keep rent growth outlook grounded.
Savills Residential Forecasts	Long-established real estate consultancy with professional research team.	We used it as a second opinion on medium-term rental pressures and national forecast consistency.
Ofgem Energy Price Cap	UK energy regulator publishing official cap levels households pay.	We used it to estimate tenant utility bills and landlord costs in bills-included arrangements.
Bristol City Council Tax	Local authority publishing the billing schedule residents actually pay.	We used it to explain council tax by band and clarify landlord versus tenant liability.
HMRC SA105 Property Notes	Official HMRC guidance for reporting UK property income.	We used it to summarize property income allowance and keep the tax section accurate.
English Housing Survey Rented Sectors	Accredited official statistics on who rents and private rented sector household profiles.	We used it to describe tenant preferences and as a reality check on furnished versus unfurnished patterns.
English Private Landlord Survey 2024	Government research describing landlord behavior, property types, and management.	We used it to understand what landlords typically provide and support renovation advice with evidence.
Bristol Water Charges	Local water supplier publishing regulated charges for the service area.	We used it to estimate water costs for typical Bristol households.
Wessex Water Charges	Regulated sewerage provider for most Bristol Water customers.	We used it to include sewerage costs and frame realistic combined water bills.
DLUHC Dwelling Stock Tables	Official dataset for local authority housing stock and vacancy context.	We used it as a proxy check on housing tightness and demand discussion consistency.
Private Rental Affordability Statistics	Official dataset comparing rents to incomes at local authority level.	We used it to explain affordability pressure and justify why renters trade space for location.
NRLA Maintenance Guidance	UK's major landlord association with practical guidance used nationwide.	We used it for a defensible maintenance budget heuristic, tailored to Bristol property values.
Bristol City Council JSNA Housing	Bristol City Council's housing needs assessment with local demographic and market data.	We used it to understand Bristol-specific constraints and validate demand and tenant profile analysis.
Home.co.uk	Aggregates current rental listings to show real-time asking rent levels across UK markets.	We used it to cross-check rent estimates against current advertised listings and validate market shape.