Rental prices held steadfastly at high levels during the month of August
Rising Rents and Longer Void Periods Strain Tenants Across England
A new report reveals that rents in England have continued to climb, with significant regional variations affecting tenant affordability. According to the data, rents in England increased by nearly 7% year-on-year, reaching an average of £1,399 per month as of June 2025.
In the West Midlands and Greater London, rent increases have been relatively modest, with year-on-year jumps of just 2-3%. However, in the East Midlands and the North East, rents have surged by over 9%, making these regions less affordable for tenants. In contrast, rents in London, while remaining the highest in the country, have slightly decreased by 0.9% compared to the previous year.
The report also highlights the impact of longer 'void' periods on the rental market. Between July and August 202x, void periods have increased, with the average length extending to 15 days, representing a 36% increase. This trend is observed in most regions of England, with the exception of Greater London, where the length of void periods remains the same as in July 202x (11 days).
The increase in void periods is not matched with a similar increase in rents in Greater London, which may indicate a more resilient rental market in the capital. In August 202x, rents in Greater London were slightly lower than the record figure of £1,470 in July 202x.
The data presented refers to the average 'void' period length for properties in England. Individual property 'void' periods may vary.
William Reeve, CEO of Goodlord, commented on the current state of the rental market, stating that rents are now up 7% year-on-year, but salaries have only recorded a 1% uplift across the same time period. This disparity between rent increases and wage growth is causing affordability issues for many tenants, particularly in regions where rents have risen sharply.
As a result, tenants may face challenges when renewing or taking out new leases, according to Reeve. The average rent for a property in England in August 202x was £1,438. Larger properties command higher rents, while one-bedroom properties average lower, affecting affordability for different household sizes.
In summary, rents in England have continued to rise, with the majority of regions experiencing longer void periods between lets. This trend, coupled with the fact that rents are rising faster than wages and inflation, is causing affordability problems for many tenants across the country.
- To combat affordability issues arising from escalating rents, an emphasis on sustainable housing finance might be an effective approach, encouraging investment in affordable housing options.
- Amid growing concerns over personal-finance sustainability, it is crucial for tenants in areas with high rental growth to consider diversifying their income streams or seek financial support to maintain their housing affordability.
