Average Length of Void Periods in the UK

Void periods can be a headache for landlords. Right now, the average void period in the UK is 24 days, the longest since April 2021. This blog will explore why this happens and how it affects rental income and profits.

Keep reading to learn what you can do about it.

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Current Trends in Void Periods

Void periods are lasting longer in many regions, leaving landlords with gaps in rental income. Rental trends show big differences across areas like the North West and South East, impacting profits for property owners.

Average void periods by region

Void periods can vary significantly across different UK regions. These fluctuations are often shaped by local housing markets, tenant demand, and economic factors. Below is a breakdown of the average void periods by region to give landlords a clear picture:

These numbers highlight regional contrasts. The North West saw a sharp rise, with landlords grappling with 30-day gaps. West Midlands landlords faced a smaller jump, up from 18 to 23 days on average. In the South East, void durations held steady at 22 days, offering a hint of stability.

London presented a unique challenge. Void periods in the capital weren’t just about days lost. They hit landlords’ wallets hard. A staggering £1,611 was the average financial dent for every empty rental.

These figures speak volumes. Longer voids often mean landlords lose out on income while property maintenance costs tick on. Platforms like Jones & Quinn’s Guaranteed Rent Service can step in to help. It’s a reliable way to minimise risks and keep income steady, no matter the region.

Recent increase in void durations

January 2025 saw void periods in the UK private rental sector reach their longest since April 2021. On average, rental properties remained unoccupied for 24 days. This represented an increase from December 2024's average of 21 days.

Regions like the North East, which also experienced an over 8% year-on-year rent increase, were particularly affected by this rise.

Higher rents and shifting demand are extending void durations further. Buy-to-let investors across areas such as the South West and West Midlands now encounter more frequent rental income losses due to these delays between leases.

These longer intervals reduce monthly rents and put added pressure on landlords managing expenses such as ground rent, mortgages or insurance premiums with regularity every month.

Factors Impacting Void Period Length

Tenant demand can shift like the weather, creating gaps between leases. Some regions face higher rental competition, leaving landlords waiting longer to fill properties.

Regional demand and supply imbalance

The rental market in the North West has seen a 9.8% rent rise, adding £79 per month to average rents. Meanwhile, the North East offers cheaper options, with rents at £911 monthly and a 5% increase from last month.

The South East tells another story, with a slight dip of -0.6%. Supply is shrinking while demand grows in many regions, pushing void periods higher for landlords struggling to find tenants quickly.

Discounts on rental prices also play a role. Outside London, confirmed rents are often 20% below advertised rates; in London, this difference jumps to 24%. These mismatched figures highlight fewer houses available versus renters looking—a tough spot for many buy-to-let investors trying to keep steady revenues from rental properties like periodic tenancies or fixed-term contracts.

Seasonal variations

Void periods often stretch during colder months. January 2025 had the longest average void since April 2021. Fewer renters move in winter, making it harder to fill rental properties.

Demand drops, but landlords still face costs.

Summer usually sees shorter voids. Prospective tenants search more during warmer months, especially families planning moves before school terms start. Timing matters for reducing lost rental income and keeping profit margins steady.

How Void Periods Affect Landlords

Void periods can leave landlords counting pennies, as rental income dries up. They may also lead to wear and tear on properties left empty for too long.

Financial implications

Landlords face steep losses during void periods. In London, lost rental income climbed 36%, averaging £1,611. The South East follows with £981 in average costs, while landlords in the North West lost an average of £876—a shocking 65% rise from last year.

Every empty month hits hard. For many, the average loss stands at £1,085 across the UK—19% higher than before. Slim profit margins become even tighter for buy-to-let investors facing longer gaps between tenants.

Impact on property maintenance

Property sitting empty often leads to more wear and tear. Small issues, like leaks or drafts, can go unnoticed during void periods. These problems may grow costly if left unchecked.

The average UK landlord already spends over £2,000 a year on maintenance. Extended void periods risk pushing these costs even higher.

Staying compliant with rental regulations is also key. Penalties for neglecting standards include fines of up to £30,000 or rental bans. Jones & Quinn’s Guaranteed Rent Service covers repairs worth up to £500, helping landlords stay on top of upkeep without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

Void periods are stretching longer, and landlords feel the pinch. With rental income dropping and maintenance costs climbing, it’s a tough landscape. Regions like the North West and South West have seen sharp void increases, hitting landlord profits hard.

Services like Jones & Quinn's Guaranteed Rent can help steady the ship by reducing risks tied to empty properties. In today’s market, every day counts for your bottom line.

FAQs

1. What is a void period in the UK rental market?
A void period refers to the time when a rental property sits empty between tenancies, causing lost rental income for landlords.

2. How long are average void periods in the UK?
The average length of void periods varies by region. For example, areas like the South East and North West often see shorter gaps compared to regions like the West Midlands or South West.

3. Why do buy-to-let investors care about void periods?
Void periods impact rental revenues and profit margins since landlords lose out on monthly rents during these times.

4. Can periodic tenancies affect void periods?
Yes, periodic tenancies can lead to more frequent tenant turnover, potentially increasing average void periods if new renters aren’t found quickly.

5. Does rent increase influence how long properties stay vacant?
Higher rent increases can discourage potential tenants, especially in competitive markets like London or Manchester, which may extend a property's vacancy.

6. How does regional data help with managing rental income loss?
Regional trends from sources like the Rental Index provide insights into local demand and average monthly rent figures, helping landlords adjust pricing strategies and reduce their risk of extended vacancies.