For first-time property buyers struggling to secure affordable mortgage offers due to constant inflation, renting becomes a viable option.

However, with rent prices steadily rising over the last few years, finding the cheapest place can often be a challenge.

From the proximity to public transport and amenities to the desirability of the area, different factors will contribute to the price.

According to recent data, West Berkshire offers the most affordable rent within the county, averaging £1,191 per month so far in 2024.

Data from Office for National Statistics, compiled into a Rent Report by BLG Development Finance and Online Marketing Surgery, ranks various areas in terms of average rent price this year.

The Rent Report offers insights into the best and worst areas to rent from, based on their average rental price.

In Berkshire, West Berkshire leads with the cheapest rent price, while the highest rent price is a substantial £1,570 per month in Windsor and Maidenhead.

Other areas in Berkshire line up as follows: Bracknell Forest is at £1,285, Wokingham at £1,303, Slough is slightly higher at £1,323, and Reading settles at £1,394.

BLG Development Finance and Online Marketing Surgery relied on the rent index data from the Office for National Statistics to work out the average rental prices for each month of the year across various areas in Berkshire.

Using the data collected for the first seven months of 2024, the total average rent price for the year was calculated.

More and more people are turning to renting as a result of climbing inflation and the subsequent difficulty in securing affordable mortgages.

Therefore, deciphering average rent prices across different areas becomes critical.