Cost of void periods climbs by as much as 53% for landlords
Landlords face growing pressure on profits as the cost of void periods climbs by as much as 53%.
The latest research by property management specialist, Rushbrook & Rathbone, has found that the average cost to landlords as a result of void periods between tenancies has climbed by as much as 52.9% across some areas of England over the last year, adding hundreds of pounds in lost rental income at a time when landlords are already facing increasing costs associated with compliance, maintenance and evolving regulation.
Rushbrook & Rathbone analysed current market rents alongside the average length of a void period across each area of England’s rental market to reveal the current cost of a void period for landlords, before comparing this cost to the same point last year to see how it has changed.
The analysis shows that the average void period across England currently stands at 24 days. Based on the average monthly rent of £1,438, this results in an estimated void period cost of £1,135 every time a property sits empty between tenancies.
This means that the average cost of a void period has increased by £129, or 12.9%, over the last year alone, rising from £1,005 in April 2025 to £1,135 in April 2026.
The West Midlands has seen the largest annual increase, with the cost of a void period climbing by £307, a rise of 52.9% year on year. The East Midlands has seen the second largest percentage increase at 26.2%, equivalent to an additional £171 per void period, whilst the South West has seen costs rise by £183, a 20.9% increase. The East of England has also seen a notable increase of £167, up 18.7% year on year.
When it comes to the highest outright cost of a void period, London ranks top. Despite having one of the shortest average void periods in the country at 16.6 days, higher rents mean landlords face an average void cost of £1,252 every time a property becomes vacant. The South East ranks second at £1,065, followed closely by the South West (£1,060) and East of England (£1,059).
Rushbrook & Rathbone believes that as costs continue to rise across the private rented sector, reducing void periods is becoming increasingly important in protecting landlord profitability.
Professional property management can play a key role in reducing the length and frequency of void periods through proactive tenancy renewals, strong tenant retention, pre-void inspections, rapid turnaround maintenance and targeted marketing designed to minimise the time a property sits empty between occupants.
Roma Sharma, Managing Director of Rushbrook & Rathbone, commented:
“Many landlords focus on the rent they achieve, but the rental income lost between tenancies is often just as important as the rent achieved during them.
A void period doesn’t just mean a temporary loss of rental income, landlords are also still contending with mortgage payments, insurance costs, service charges, maintenance obligations and other outgoings whilst a property sits empty.
As a result, even a relatively short void period can have a meaningful impact on overall returns, particularly at a time when landlords are facing increasing compliance requirements and investment costs across the sector.
One of the most effective ways to reduce the impact of void periods is through proactive management. Maintaining strong relationships with tenants can improve retention, whilst early planning, prompt maintenance and effective marketing can significantly reduce the time between one tenancy ending and the next beginning.
In today’s market, protecting rental income is about more than achieving the highest rent possible. It’s also about minimising unnecessary gaps in occupation and ensuring properties remain attractive, compliant and ready for tenants at all times.”
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