New data from the ONS (Office for National Statistics) has revealed that private rent in Norwich has increased by almost £100 monthly on average, from January 2024 to January 2025.
The increase over the year, of 9.5 per cent, was higher than the average in the East of England, which was 8.4 per cent.
Students from the University of East Anglia are concerned that when they leave university, they will not be able to afford to start renting in under a year after they have graduated.
A poll done by UEAJournalism on social media shows that almost a third (32 percent) of students believe they will be able to start renting in this time period.
Over two thirds (68 per cent) think they will be at home living with their parents.
Some students will be supported financially by parents or family when saving up to start renting without a student loan for the first time.
Angela is a third-year student studying politics and international relations at the UEA. She said, “I think at the moment, I will have to get support from family.
“I think this will help me save up for rent costs and bills.”
Dylan, another third-year student, said, “For me, it depends on job security, and if I’m able to find a job with a liveable wage and find a house that isn’t too expensive.”
A residential lettings manager at Brown & Co., Lesley Levy, said that with rent and bills included, the average Norwich tenant would need around £15,000 a year to afford their accommodation.
“Rents are increasing because of a shortage of properties.
“My advice would be to stay home and save your money to buy a house. Or, find a landlord that would allow three professionals to house share.”
Further data from the ONS shows that the average house price in Norwich was lower than the rise in the East of England from January 2024 to January 2025.
As rent has increased, house prices have slightly increased across the region.
The average price of a house for a first-time buyer rose to £211,000 in December 2024, a 1.8% increase, or £3,000, from December 2023.
With both rent and house prices on the rise, many students and young professionals are finding it harder to afford to live independently in the city.
