Cheaper to rent than buy UK homes after Iran war sparks surge in mortgage rates
Renting has become cheaper than buying a home in the UK, with average monthly mortgage payments exceeding typical rental costs due to a recent surge in mortgage rates. The rise in borrowing costs since March 2026 has been linked to increased financial market volatility triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran. Property data from Rightmove shows the average new mortgage payment at £1,670, surpassing the average rent of £1,547 by £123.
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NewsUKHome NewsCheaper to rent than buy UK homes after Iran war sparks surge in mortgage ratesThe shift has been driven by borrowing costs moving higher since the beginning of MarchAnna Wise Thursday 30 April 2026 00:01 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2967442","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/rightmove-uk-mortage-buy-rent-homes-b2967442.html","title":"Cheaper to rent than buy UK homes as mortgage rates surge"}}Price hikes due to Iran war will be felt for at least eight months after conflict ends, minister…
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