According to it latest lettings index, in the last 12 months average rents have increased by 3 per cent across the UK, although figures vary between regions.  

Scotland saw the biggest rent rises with the typical property bringing in monthly rental income of £631 during the first quarter of 2014. This represents an 8.8 per cent rise on the same period last year where the typical rent was £580.

London saw the next biggest increase with rents in the central part of the capital rising 5.1 per cent year-on-year to reach £2,509. In outer boroughs the average rent grew 4.4 per cent in the same period, reaching an average of £1,156.

Rent growth has also spread to northern areas with rents in the North of England rising 1.8 per cent to hit £614 during the last 12 months.

Countrywide found the vast majority of the UK’s private rented housing stock to be owned by landlords with a single property, despite significant institutional investment in the sector in recent years.

It said 93 per cent of landlords have a single rental property and, in total, account for 81 per cent of privately rented stock. This figure is similar in all areas of England, Scotland and Wales.

“Landlords with small portfolios play a hugely important role in the UK’s private rented sector,” said Nick Dunning, group commercial director at Countrywide.

“The doubling in size of the private rented sector between 2000 and 2013 was almost entirely driven by landlords either expanding their portfolios or buying investment property for the first time.”