Chartered surveyors are reporting the biggest increase in tenant demand in four and a half years, with 27% more reporting a rise in new lets than a fall.

Amongst other things, strong tenant demand has arisen, due to a renewed upturn in house prices which has forced many potential buyers, back into the rental market.

With many new people investing in the residential market, tenants are faced with more choice than they have seen for two years.

RICS spokesperson Jeremy Leaf commented, "Buy-to-let investors are active once again, which will help dispel fears that an absence in first time buyers will contribute to a significant slowdown in the wider housing market next year."