Much-needed momentum returned to the rental market in February, according to the latest market analysis from Goodlord, which reported that, after the traditionally quieter months of December and January, a re-injection of pace during the month brought stronger rents and a significant drop in voids. 

Strong demand among tenants saw the average void period for a rental property in England during February drop by 26% - from 23 to 17 days - with the biggest changes seen in the North West, where voids went from 27 days in January to just 18 days in February - a steep drop of a third (33%). 

The East Midlands also recorded a decrease of more than 30% - with void periods in the region going from 29 days to just 20, a 31% reduction. Greater London, the North East, South East and the West Midlands all saw voids reduce by more than 20%. The smallest change was recorded in the South West, where voids decreased from 21 days to 19 days - a 9.5% decrease.

The new average void period for England of 17 days is the lowest since September 2022, when void averages hit 15 days.

Rents across most regions in England rose during February, taking the average cost of a rental home to £1,089 - a rise of 1% on January’s figures.