• Two years on from its May 2023 launch, flatshare site SpareRoom reveals how the Elizabeth line has impacted room rents
• Outside of London, Shenfield (+52.9%), Romford (+45.9%), and Langley (+42.5%) have seen the biggest increases in rents since 2021, all higher than the 34% average increase for the South East of England
• Demand along the line is soaring: In Hanwell 12.8 people are competing for every rental room available, 11.6 in Manor Park, and around 11 in Brentwood, Shenfield and Iver

Two years since its launch, new data from flatshare site SpareRoom reveals the Elizabeth line has redefined London's commuter belt, turbocharging rental growth and transforming once-overlooked spots into high-demand areas.

Those living along the Elizabeth line have benefited from reduced travel times since its maiden journey on 24 May 2023, but renters in its outer zones in Essex and Berkshire are now paying a premium for the convenience. 

Outside of its London station stops, Shenfield (+52.9%), Romford (+45.9%), and Langley (+42.5%) have seen the biggest growth in rents over the four-year period Q1 2021 to Q1 2025, much higher than the average increase for South East England, which was 34% for the same period.

Along the line's Reading branch, Langley, Slough and Burnham have seen the highest increases in rents, while along the Shenfield branch, it's Shenfield, Romford and Brentwood that have risen most.

But there is still a selection of areas where value can be found. Hidden gems like Harold Wood, Chadwell Heath, Twyford and Maidenhead are just a few examples of places that offer super-fast connections to central London with lower-than-average rent increases. No areas along the line have below-average rents for the South East of the England – currently £745 per month – although Gidea Park comes closest (£747 per month).

Liverpool Street to Shenfield Route (Zone 4 onwards)

Paddington to Reading Route (Zone 4 onwards)

The areas along the line with the highest demand among renters looking for rooms are:

Matt Hutchinson, director at flatshare site SpareRoom, comments: “Improved transport links almost always push rents up and that's exactly what we're seeing at play, especially in areas towards the terminuses of the Elizabeth line. Rent increases in many areas along the lines towards Reading and Essex have outpaced the South East average, but savvy renters can still find value if they do their research. And for homeowners with spare rooms, these increasingly popular locations also present an opportunity to increase income by taking in a lodger, whilst also offering affordable housing for those who need it.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• For queries, information and interviews please contact: press@spareroom.co.uk
• To link to the source data, please use: https://www.spareroom.co.uk/statistics/elizabeth-line 
• To download our Elizabeth line graphics, please click here

All data based on SpareRoom rental index data for Q1 2025 room rents (asking prices) and Q1 2021. Data is based on postcode districts that include the relevant stop along the Elizabeth line e.g. Ilford is based on rent/demand data for the IG1 postcode district.

About SpareRoom

SpareRoom is the UK's busiest flatshare website. Every month it helps 2M+ people find housemates, tenants, lodgers and rooms to rent. www.spareroom.co.uk