Average Rent in Preston
As of January 2026, the average rent in Preston is £772/month — 42% below the England average of £1,332. Rents are rising quickly, up +7.9% in the past year.
Key figures
- Average rent: £772/month (42% below the England average of £1,332)
- Rents rising fast: +7.9% year-on-year
- 1-bed average: £565/month
- Market rents exceed LHA by £116/month for a 1-bed
Rent by bedroom type
Here's how average monthly rent in Preston breaks down by number of bedrooms, with year-on-year change for each.
| Type | Avg. rent | YoY change |
|---|---|---|
| All properties | £772 | +7.9% |
| 1 bedroom | £565 | +8.4% |
| 2 bedrooms | £713 | +8.1% |
| 3 bedrooms | £837 | +8.0% |
| 4+ bedrooms | £1,228 | +6.9% |
Rent by property type
Average rents in Preston also vary by property type. Flats and maisonettes tend to be cheaper than detached houses.
| Property type | Avg. rent |
|---|---|
| Detached | £1,095 |
| Semi-detached | £836 |
| Terraced | £778 |
| Flat / maisonette | £651 |
Local Housing Allowance comparison
The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) sets the maximum housing benefit for renters in the Central Lancs area (April 2024 to March 2025). Here's how it compares to actual market rents.
| Size | LHA rate | Market rent | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared | £303 | — | — |
| 1 bed | £449 | £565 | +£116 |
| 2 bed | £573 | £713 | +£140 |
| 3 bed | £648 | £837 | +£189 |
| 4 bed | £922 | £1,228 | +£306 |
Where market rent exceeds the LHA rate, renters on housing benefit may need to cover the difference themselves.
Renting in Preston: what to know
Preston is in the North West region of England. The average rent of £772 per month is 42% below the England average of £1,332. This is 9% below the North West regional average of £845.
Rents in Preston are rising quickly — up +7.9% over the past year, faster than the North West average of +6.6%. For renters already in the area, this makes staying put more attractive than moving — and for newcomers, it highlights the importance of acting quickly when a suitable property appears.
The Local Housing Allowance for the Central Lancs area is £449/month for a 1-bed, slightly below the market average of £565. Renters on housing benefit may face a modest shortfall of £116/month.
Even in more affordable areas, landlords increasingly use credit checks during referencing. If you’re building credit for the first time or recovering from past issues, reporting your rent payments is a practical starting point.
FAQs
What is the average rent in Preston?
The average rent in Preston is £772 per month as of January 2026. This covers all property sizes. A 1-bed averages £565, a 2-bed £713, a 3-bed £837.
Is rent in Preston going up or down?
Rents in Preston have increased by +7.9% over the past year. This is well above the national average rate of increase, putting extra pressure on renters.
How does rent in Preston compare to Local Housing Allowance?
The average 1-bed rent in Preston (£565) is £116 above the LHA rate of £449 for the Central Lancs area. This means renters on housing benefit may face a shortfall.
Is Preston a good area for affordable renting?
With average rents of £772/month, Preston is well below the England average of £1,332. Lower rents can make it easier to save or manage a budget, though availability and property standards vary.
Related topics
Other areas in North West
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