Almost 1,700 Australian house and unit suburbs have recorded a rental increase of 10% or more in the past year, despite the pace of rental growth showing signs of easing.

CoreLogic’s national rental index shows the rate of rental growth has softened slightly, with rents up 0.8% in May compared to the 0.9% and 1% increases in April and March respectively.

CoreLogic Economist Kaytlin Ezzy said the slowdown in the monthly growth rate had contributed to a fall in the annual trend, which dipped below double digits for the first time in 10 months, with rents nationally increasing 9.9% over the 12 months to May.