Voids plunge to record lows

The number of voids has dropped by 44 per cent in the past month to hit an average of just nine days in July.

This is down from 16 days in June and is the lowest ever void rate recorded by Goodlord, which has been operating a lettings market index since the mid-2010s. The previous record was set at 10 days in July 2022.

The North East and the South West saw the lowest voids - recording void periods of just six days on average.

This, respectively, represented a 60 and 45 per cent reduction compared to June’s void figures for those regions.

The highest voids were recorded in the West Midlands at 14 days, a decrease of 22 per cent compared to June.

Greater London saw the smallest month-on-month change: a 21 per cent reduction in voids, from 14 days to 11 days.

Length of void period between tenancies, by region, June vs. July (days)
Region	June 2023	July 2023	*Month on Month % change*
East Midlands	23	12	*-47.8%*
Greater London	14	11	*-21.4%*
North East	15	6	*-60.0%*
North West	17	7	*-58.8%*
South East	16	10	*-37.5%*
South West	11	6	*-45.5%*
West Midlands	18	14	*-22.2%*
*England average*	16	9	*-43.8%*

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Andrew townshend
02 August 2023 07:31 AM

Voids are useful for repairs and improvements to be carried out, but one advertised normally a queue wanting to sign up

Ellie Edwards
02 August 2023 07:36 AM

I think they should allow us a council tax-free period for the work - don't they want the properties to be in tip top condition! They claim to want to improve the standard of the private rental sector, but, at the same time, are deterring us from carrying out improvements by charging us full council tax as soon as the tenants leave.

Henry S
02 August 2023 10:45 AM

A council I wouldn't normally regard as sensible, allowed 3 months zero council tax if major works are being undertaken in the void period.
Just as well when Covid lockdown/distancing made renovation works take forever.
Though haven't checked if they still do so.

Also, zero council tax if/while the property couldn't be legally let. So if works were going to take longer than 3 months, getting essential gas/electrical safety checks/certificates done right at the end of works could be sensible.
I recall council tax exemption for properties that cannot be let legally is a national exemption. But haven't tried that one out, nor researched it, so might be wrong.

Not planning to try any of the above anytime soon though. All tenants want to stay, and properties in top/good condition: when re-let after the long void the agents said the condition was "immaculate". Though agents have been known to exaggerate!