RENTS across the North West rose significantly in the three months to April, a new survey has revealed.

Rental values across the UK have now grown consistently since 2009 as the problem of unaffordable mortgage finance and large deposits required by lenders remain a barrier to home ownership, with many potential buyers forced to turn to the rental market.

Ian Perry of Your Housing Group says: “As long as tenant demand continues to outpace supply and the lack of mortgage availability remains, the rental market will continue to be buoyant.

"This will mean rents are likely to increase, adding to the pressure on many households.”