Renting in London comes with its perils, whether it’s sky-high rents, mismatched flatmates, or landlord woes.
With property prices so high, reaching £267,400 across the UK, according to Zoopla – many of us have no choice.
But now, new research has unveiled the most expensive postcode to rent in the UK – and surprisingly, it’s not actually in the capital.
Tucked away in Buckinghamshire is the HP9 postcode, which covers Beaconsfield, known for its elegant Georgian houses, charming old town, and of course, its Waitrose, darling.
And with an average price tag of £5,920 per month, it costs 279.1% more to rent here than the rest of the South East at £1,562.
It’s also a staggering 358.4% higher than the British average, making it the most sizeable premium across the UK. Ouch.
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Naturally, London has the second biggest rental price gap, and it costs 149.9% more to rent in the prime postcode of SW7 at £5,438 per month on average. Comparatively, the rest of the Big Smoke comes in at £2,176.
It’s not just the South that’s getting pricey, though.
The M14 postcode in Manchester is the most expensive in the North West, at £2,280 per month, which is 126.6% higher than the rest of the region, according to figures from Cohab.
‘While the cost of renting varies across Britain, each region is home to a prime postcode where rents sit significantly higher than that paid by the average tenant,’ says Saveli Kotz, founder and CEO of Cohab.
‘It’s somewhat surprising that even the UK’s prime postcodes in Central London, which are popular with international renters, don’t match up to the area.’
But in Saveli’s view, the data shows that ‘wherever renters are based there’s likely to be a property available to rent at their price point if they’re willing to travel.’
‘If tenants are priced out of one area, it’s worth checking a neighbouring region, where there may be a better supply of affordable rental properties to measure up with demand,’ he adds.
Things to do in Beaconsfield
Clearly, Beaconsfield has long been popular with Londoners looking to flee the Big Smoke in search of a bit more peace and quiet.
And while the cost of living in this Buckinghamshire bolthole might be expensive, there’s a reason it’s so popular.
In 2012, Savills found that 32.1% of buyers in Beaconsfield specifically were from London, many of whom were drawn to it for its ‘thriving market town’ status as well as its proximity to the Chiltern Hills.
By 2021, that figure had skyrocketed to 48%, with the majority moving in from West London specifically, according to Hamptons.
The UK’s most expensive postcodes for renters, according to Cohab
- HP9 (Buckinghamshire – £5,920 per month compared to £1,562 regional average)
- SW7 (Kensington and Chelsea/Westminster – £5,438 compared to £2,176)
- M14 (Manchester – £2,280 compared to £1,006)
- TR11 (Cornwall – £2,845 compared to £1,265)
- LS6 (Leeds – £1,845 compared to £887)
- TS22 (Stockton-on-Tees – £1,519 compared to £790)
- AL9 (Welwyn/Hatfield – £2,582 compared to £1,382)
- G77 (East Renfrewshire – £1,741 compared to £997)
- NG7 (Nottingham – £1,676 compared to £991)
- TF10 (Telford and Wrekin/Stafford/South Staffordshire – £1,684 compared to £1,037)
- SA2 (Swansea – £1,510 compared to £935).
Thinking about things to do in the local area? One of the town’s top attractions is the Bekonscot Model Village and Railway – and it’s the world’s oldest model village. We’re certainly impressed.
Built in the 1920s, there are 1.5 acres of green space to frolic around in, including a play area. The town also boasts a range of parks, including Oak Lodge Meadow, One Tree Meadow, and Wooburn Green Lane Sports Field.
Meanwhile, the Old Town is known for having a village feel, with a weekly market running every Tuesday between 8.00am and 3.00pm. Here, you’ll find locally sourced fruit and veg, meats, and even French cheeses.
And for a tipple or two, there are local watering holes The Greyhound Pub, The Jolly Cricketers, or The Royal Saracens Head.
What locals love about Beaconsfield
It’s safe to say that locals love Beaconsfield for the quality of its shops, as well as its strong community feel. Over on the r/Buckinghamshire Subreddit, @for_shaaame described it as a ‘lovely, picturesque town.’
‘Good array of shops, restaurants, and services available in the town, and you’re just down the road from High Wycombe with its shopping centre,’ they added.
Meanwhile, @Chilli-BEEF moved out of London in 2023 to Penn, a couple of miles north of Beaconsfield. They’ve never looked back, describing the location as ‘heavenly.’
‘The schools are lovely, we’re surrounded by beautiful countryside in the Chiltern Hills and have all the local amenities of three nearby towns,’ they penned.
‘It’s social, we’ve made lots of great friends…we’re so happy we found this place to raise our family.’
Transport links in Beaconsfield
Thinking about commuting back into London?
There’s a direct train into Marylebone that takes as little as 23 minutes, which is pretty much the same time some Londoners spend travelling to their office despite still living there.
To drive, it’s just over an hour from central London. One hour and six minutes, to be precise (if you’re willing to pay tolls).
What’s your home like?
This year Metro is partnering with the Ufurnish.com Home Awards to bring readers the best in UK property.
From jaw-dropping before-and-after renovations to effortlessly stylish spaces on a budget and rental DIY masterpieces, the awards recognise outstanding talent across 20 categories covering interiors, gardens, furniture innovation and home accessories.
As part of our partnership, Metro’s Property channel will be full of inspiring homes, fly-on-the-wall property pictures and tips and tricks from those in the know.
Need some inspo (or some eye candy)? We’ve rounded up nine winners from last year’s awards to get those creative juices flowing.
Head to Ufurnish.com to enter now.
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