Recent data from Rushbrook & Rathbone highlights a growing challenge for UK landlords: void periods are becoming significantly more expensive. The average cost of a property sitting empty between tenancies in England has climbed by nearly 13% over the last year, now exceeding £1,100 per void. This rise is not trivial when considered against typical rental yields, which have been under pressure from inflation and regulatory changes.
Void costs include lost rent, ongoing bills, and maintenance expenses that do not pause when a property is unoccupied. For investors relying on steady rental income, these gaps can erode net returns sharply. Our own Prop AI Deals data shows that in regions with longer average void periods—often outside prime urban centres—total landlord yields can drop by up to 2 percentage points annually due to these costs alone.
The upward trend in void costs suggests landlords may need to revisit their letting strategies. Faster tenant turnaround, competitive rental pricing, and proactive property management could mitigate some of the financial impact. However, with tenant demand fluctuating and repair costs rising, the risk of prolonged voids remains a notable factor in investment calculations.
For UK property investors, this reinforces the importance of scrutinising void rates alongside headline rents. Properties with historically low void durations or in high-demand areas may better protect returns in a market where empty periods are becoming increasingly costly.
