· UK rentals
UK rents rise as homes take longer to let
Goodlord’s October figures put average rent on new lets at £1,592 a month, up 5% in a year. The average gap between tenancies widened to 28 days.
Higher rents, longer gaps
Goodlord’s October release puts average UK rent at £1,592, compared with £1,516 in October 2025. The average property in the index spent 28 days between tenancies, up from 20 in September and 21 a year earlier. The index draws on lettings processed through Goodlord’s platform, so it describes activity in its sample of new tenancies.
These measures can move in the same direction. The homes that let set the rental average. The void figure captures the time between tenancies. A change in the mix of properties being let can move the average while some homes sit on the market for longer. Both measures also vary by location and season.
The cost of eight extra days
At a monthly rent of £1,592, eight additional empty days equate to roughly £419 in gross rent, using an annualised daily rate. It is an illustration of how even a modest gap can affect annual income. A landlord comparing two offers can account for their start dates, the rent agreed and the likely cost of holding the property empty.
Preparing the home and its paperwork ahead of marketing can make a difference. A realistic availability date and quick responses to enquiries help prospective tenants plan. If viewings are going well but offers are scarce, feedback on condition, price and move-in dates can help explain the delay.
What to compare locally
Tenants can compare homes in the same area by total monthly cost, including bills and travel, as well as rent. Landlords can track the number of comparable listings, time on the market and achieved rents in the same neighbourhood. October’s national figures set the backdrop. A current, local comparison offers a clearer basis for agreeing terms.
