Property management fees across England have risen sharply over the past decade, with the Midlands recording the fastest increase, although the South remains the most expensive region for landlords, according to research from Rushbrook & Rathbone.

The property management specialist found that estimated annual property management fees in the Midlands climbed by 53.9% between 2016 and 2026, outpacing growth in both the North and South. The East Midlands saw the steepest regional increase nationally, with annual management fees rising by 57% over the period, while fees in the West Midlands increased by 50.9%.

Despite slower growth, southern England continues to command the highest management costs. Average annual property management fees across the South, including London, now stand at £2,168 per property, compared with £1,353 in the Midlands and £1,237 in the North.

London remains the most expensive market, with estimated annual management fees reaching £3,303 in 2026, up 37% over the decade. Elsewhere, fees in the South East rose 44.8% to £2,042, while the South West recorded a 52.2% increase to £1,777.

Northern England continues to offer the lowest overall management costs, although fees still rose 48.2% over the decade. Within the region, the North West posted the strongest growth at 56.9%.

The analysis used average rental values and applied a standard management charge of 10% plus VAT to estimate annual costs.

Roma Sharma, managing director of Rushbrook & Rathbone, said: “While the South continues to command the highest management fees in absolute terms, it's notable that the Midlands has seen the fastest rate of growth over the last decade, reflecting the strength of rental demand and rental value growth across the region.”

Sharma added: "Property management today is also very different from what it was ten years ago. Landlords are operating in an increasingly regulated environment, with greater compliance responsibilities, higher tenant expectations, and more complex operational requirements than ever before."

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