Record rent rises across some regions.
According to data released today rents are now rising at the fastest rate for six months, reaching an average of £793 across England & Wales.
New all-time records for three separate regions – led by the East Midlands with 8.5% annual rent rises.
Landlords see total annual returns (before costs) of 10.7% in year to April, with gross yields steady at 4.9%. Tenants are also better able to manage higher rental payments, as rent in arrears drops to 8.1% of rent due.
Adrian Gill, director of lettings agents Your Move and Reeds Rains, reportedly said: “Anyone looking for a home to rent may now find the better deals of the winter months are over. Landlords are seeing renewed interest and competition between potential tenants, as the spring rental market accelerates.
“Some of the reasons for rent rises are extremely encouraging. Tenants looking to find a property to rent are more likely to be in work, getting pay rises, and feeling able to pay their other bills. These wider economic fundamentals are shifting on the side of healthier household finances.
“But very little has changed in terms of the supply of homes to let. So for many tenants, it’s likely that a large proportion of any earnings growth is swallowed up by higher rents.”