Private rents in Britain grow 2.6% in 12 months

Statistics indicated "continued strength" in the rental market Credit: PA

Rent for private property increased 2.6% in Britain over the last year.

In England, private rental prices increased 2.8%, but only 0.2% and 0.7% in Wales and Scotland respectively over the past 12 months.

Up to February 2016, fees across all English regions increased, with the peak being in London at 3.8%, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.

How much has rent increased in your region?

Private rent percentage change over the 12 months to February 2016 Credit: Office for National Statistics

Statistics from the Index of Private Housing Rental Prices (IPHRP) showed a 12.1% increase in rental prices across Great Britain since January 2011.

In England there was a 12.6% increase during the same period, compared to a 3.3% hike in Wales.

In the past 12 months, the North East experienced the lowest rental price increases of 0.9%.

ONS said the statistics demonstrated the private rental market "continued to show signs of strength".