Average Rent in Dorset
As of January 2026, the average rent in Dorset is £1,031/month — 23% below the England average of £1,332. Rents have changed by +3.0% over the past year.
Key figures
- Average rent: £1,031/month (23% below the England average of £1,332)
- Rents are up +3.0% year-on-year
- 1-bed average: £714/month
- Market rents exceed LHA by £121/month for a 1-bed
Rent by bedroom type
Here's how average monthly rent in Dorset breaks down by number of bedrooms, with year-on-year change for each.
| Type | Avg. rent | YoY change |
|---|---|---|
| All properties | £1,031 | +3.0% |
| 1 bedroom | £714 | +3.7% |
| 2 bedrooms | £943 | +3.3% |
| 3 bedrooms | £1,160 | +3.0% |
| 4+ bedrooms | £1,651 | +2.2% |
Rent by property type
Average rents in Dorset also vary by property type. Flats and maisonettes tend to be cheaper than detached houses.
| Property type | Avg. rent |
|---|---|
| Detached | £1,411 |
| Semi-detached | £1,121 |
| Terraced | £1,020 |
| Flat / maisonette | £821 |
Local Housing Allowance comparison
The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) sets the maximum housing benefit for renters in the Mid & West Dorset area (April 2024 to March 2025). Here's how it compares to actual market rents.
| Size | LHA rate | Market rent | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared | £425 | — | — |
| 1 bed | £593 | £714 | +£121 |
| 2 bed | £748 | £943 | +£195 |
| 3 bed | £898 | £1,160 | +£262 |
| 4 bed | £1,247 | £1,651 | +£404 |
Where market rent exceeds the LHA rate, renters on housing benefit may need to cover the difference themselves.
Renting in Dorset: what to know
Dorset is in the South West region of England. The average rent of £1,031 per month is 23% below the England average of £1,332. This is 7% below the South West regional average of £1,104.
Rents in Dorset have risen +3.0% over the past year, slower than the South West average of +4.9%.
The Local Housing Allowance for the Mid & West Dorset area is £593/month for a 1-bed, slightly below the market average of £714. Renters on housing benefit may face a modest shortfall of £121/month.
If you’re looking to rent in Dorset, building a strong credit profile can help you pass tenant referencing checks and access a wider range of properties. Reporting your rent payments to credit agencies is one way to start building that history.
FAQs
What is the average rent in Dorset?
The average rent in Dorset is £1,031 per month as of January 2026. This covers all property sizes. A 1-bed averages £714, a 2-bed £943, a 3-bed £1,160.
Is rent in Dorset going up or down?
Rents in Dorset have increased by +3.0% over the past year. This is broadly in line with national trends.
How does rent in Dorset compare to Local Housing Allowance?
The average 1-bed rent in Dorset (£714) is £121 above the LHA rate of £593 for the Mid & West Dorset area. This means renters on housing benefit may face a shortfall.
Related topics
Other areas in South West
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