R>Rents across the UK will continue to rise well ahead of inflation over the next five years, as growing numbers of young singles and families remain unable to raise the deposits necessary to access home ownership.

But a North/South divide will open, reflecting the ability of tenants to afford rent rises. Higher economic and wage growth in the South East, coupled with strongest demand and most limited supply will mean greater increases in London and its commuter belt.

According to the new five year forecast from global real estate service provider Savills average rents are expected to rise by 2.5% in 2013 and 18.2% over the next five years.

The amount of rent paid by the under 35s is forecast to rise by 53% from