Landlords in England are being hammered by the escalating financial burden of empty properties, known as void periods. Research by Rushbrook & Rathbone shows that average void costs have soared 12.9% over the past year, jumping from £1,005 to £1,135 between April 2025 and April 2026.
The figures reveal a stark reality for landlords: these void costs are not just a loss of rental income but also include ongoing expenses such as mortgage payments, insurance premiums, service charges, and maintenance obligations that continue even when the property is unoccupied. Roma Sharma, Managing Director at Rushbrook & Rathbone, warns that while achieving optimal rental income is crucial, the financial implications of properties lying vacant can be equally impactful on profitability.
London remains the most expensive region for void periods, with landlords losing an average £1,252 despite experiencing a relatively short average vacancy duration of 16.6 days. Other regions also bear substantial costs: the South East averages £1,065, the South West £1,060, and the East of England £1,059. These figures demonstrate the widespread challenge facing England's rental market.
Notably, regional variations in void cost increases show that some areas are feeling the pinch more than others. The West Midlands recorded a 52.9% year-on-year increase, with void costs surging by £307. The East Midlands followed closely, with a 26.2% rise adding £171 to the cost of an empty property. Other regions experiencing significant increases include the South West (£183 or 20.9%) and the East of England (£167 or 18.7%). These regional disparities highlight different market dynamics and challenges for landlords depending on their property's location.
With average void periods lasting 24 days and monthly rents averaging £1,438, the £1,135 cost before a new tenancy begins takes a significant toll on landlords' finances. As they navigate increasing compliance requirements and investment costs, efficient management of void periods is more critical than ever for maintaining viable property portfolios.