13^th Apr 2018

An association of lettings agents has just released new figures shows that landlords in both the North East and North West regions suffered the most from void periods in the last three months, than any other UK region.

The research claims that 53% of landlords in the North East and North West had experienced a void period which is nearly 20% higher than the national average of 35%; this in itself has risen from 33% from the previous three months.

The lowest number of landlords in the UK with voids over the last three months was 28% of landlords in the South East, 42% of London landlords also reported a void period.

Regional breakdown experience of voids

North East - 54%
North West - 54%
York and Humber - 48%
Outer London - 42%
Inner London - 41%
Wales - 40%
East of England - 39%
East Midlands - 38%
West Midlands - 35%
Scotland - 33%
South West - 33%
South East - 28%

The research also states that 63% of voids were because of new incoming tenants, and other reasons were:

• Emptying the property to carry refurbishments and necessary maintenance - 31%

• Problem encountered finding new tenants - 25%

• Low demand in the area - 15%

• Tenants unable to pay rent and associated actions - 14%

Richard Price, director of the association, said: “There are a number of reasons why landlords experience a void, but it’s important to know that agents are here to help and support them when it comes to re-letting property.

"Other than to carry out important maintenance and refurbishments, void periods can be minimised by finding reliable replacement tenants quickly; something that agents are best placed to assist with. as they have the experience and customer-base to get good tenants into homes fast, which will be particularly beneficial for landlords with larger portfolios who may be more likely to experience a tenant-related void."



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