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Ipswich rents surge 11% in a year, outpacing wage growth and regional and national averages

New Office for National Statistics figures show that the average private rent in Ipswich reached £897 per month in the year to August, up from £810 a year ago and 28% higher than five years ago.

Why it matters: The steep rise puts increased financial pressure on renters in Ipswich as rent costs outpace wage growth across the UK.

The big picture: Ipswich's 11% rent increase exceeds both the East of England regional average of 8% and the Great Britain average of 8%.

  • The average rent in the East of England is now £1,167 per month.

  • Nationally, the average private rent hit £1,286 in August, up £100 from a year ago.

By the numbers: The figures also show the different costs for various homes in Ipswich, from £664 for a one-bed property to £1,350 for a home with four or more bedrooms in August:

  • A detached house costs £1,177 to rent per month

  • A semi-detached costs £949 per month

  • A terraced house was £868 per month

  • And a flat or maisonette was £785 a month

What they're saying: "This isn't news to renters, who have been feeling this squeeze for a very long time as our landlords snatch away more and more of our wages," said Ben Twomey, chief executive of campaign group Generation Rent.

Polly Neate, Shelter's chief executive, said: "A severe shortage of genuinely affordable social homes has forced millions of people to rely on the private rented sector, with rents continuing to soar as a result."

She added: "With competition fierce, private renters have no choice but to pay over the odds just to keep a roof over their heads."

The other side: A Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said the government's Renters' Rights Bill would introduce protections against "unreasonable rent increases" and empower tenants to challenge such increases at a tribunal.

What's next: Housing campaigners are calling for:

  • Rent increase protections in the Renters' Rights Bill

  • More affordable housing construction

  • Investment in social housing

The bottom line: With competition fierce in the rental market, Ipswich renters face tough choices as costs continue to climb faster than wages.

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ICS, Kingsfleet and Lanman Solar

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ICS

Founded in 1998, ICS has been the trusted IT partner to businesses across Ipswich and Suffolk for over a quarter of a century.
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Spend your time and money as you wish

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ICS, Kingsfleet and Lanman Solar

The ICS team outside their offices in Henley, just outside Ipswich

ICS

Founded in 1998, ICS has been the trusted IT partner to businesses across Ipswich and Suffolk for over a quarter of a century.
The Kingsfleet team outside their offices in Claydon, near Ipswich

Spend your time and money as you wish

Award winning, independent financial planners helping the people of Suffolk reach their financial objectives.
The Lanman Group

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Lanman Solar is an award-winning, fully MCS-accredited sustainable energy company with a 5-star rating on Google. From its offices in Suffolk, it serves businesses and homes across East Anglia.
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