The average price of rent in Southampton has increased by 30 per cent in the last five years in a 'devastating blow' to tenants, a homeless charity said.

Provisional figures from the Office for National Statistics show that in September 2024, the average monthly rent in Southampton reached £1,163, which is also a 10 per cent increase up from £1,062 in September 2023.

In 2019, the average price was just £897.

The Society of St James is Hampshire’s largest homelessness charity, which provides temporary living spaces in Southampton, Portsmouth and Rushmoor.

Average rent in Southampton rises by 10% as homeless charity warn of urgencyThe Society of St James Chief Executive Tania Marsh. (Image: Contributed) Chief Executive Tania Marsh said: “A 10 per cent increase in rents across Southampton will be a devastating blow for those already struggling to stay afloat and with rental prices already significantly exceeding the maximum amount covered by benefits.

“This instability and the lack of a safe and affordable place to live is driving more people into homelessness.

“Our mission to end homelessness person by person is becoming increasingly urgent in the face of such rising costs.”

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The Society of St James runs weekly drop-in sessions for residents struggling to keep up with their tenancy at St Christopher’s Church, Two Saints Day Centre, Old Chemist Food Bank, Portswood Library and Above Bar Church.

The Society of St James office on Albert Road South, Southampton.The Society of St James office on Albert Road South, Southampton. (Image: Newsquest)

Average rent prices in Southampton by house type

When looking at specific types of dwelling, a detached house in Southampton now costs renters £1,513 each month on average.

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In comparison, renting a flat or maisonette in the city costs an average of £921 per month.

A semi-detached would set tenants back £1,319 whereas a terraced house was slightly less at £1,229 per month.

Across the South East, the average rent was £1,325 – rising eight per cent from the year before.

The lowest rental cost in Hampshire could be found on the Isle of Wight at £836, which has also risen six per cent in the last year.