Rising rents and slightly longer void periods have pushed up the average cost of a void period for landlords and managing agents in England by 13.8%. In one region, the increase has reached nearly 64%.
Analysis of December 2025 data carried out by Dwelly shows that the average void period between tenants increased from 21 days to 23 days over the past year, while the average monthly rent rose from £1,370 to £1,424. This combination has raised the typical cost of a void period from £946 to £1,077.
Between December 2024 and December 2025, the average void period between outgoing and incoming tenants in England rose from 21 days to 23 days, while the average monthly rent increased from £1,370 to £1,424. This led to an overall increase in the average cost of a void period for landlords, from £946 to £1,077, a 13.8% rise.
The largest increase was recorded in the West Midlands, where void costs grew by 63.6% year-on-year. This was driven by an increase in the average void period from 18 days in 2024 to 28 days in 2025, the longest across all English regions.
Other regions also saw rises, with the East of England up 19.6%, the South East 17.9%, London 13.5%, the North West 6.1%, the South West 5.2%, the North East 3%, and the East Midlands 0.9%.
Yorkshire & Humber was the only region to see a small decrease, with void costs falling 0.4%, reflecting a slight reduction in the average void period from 22 days to 21 days.
Sam Humphreys, head of M&A at Dwelly, commented: “Void periods are an inevitable reality of the rental market, and landlords are constantly seeking ways to limit their impact on profitability. That impact becomes even more pronounced in a higher interest rate environment, and this research highlights just how quickly costs can escalate. A seemingly modest two-day increase in void length has translated into an almost 14% rise in the average cost of a void period.
“While voids cannot be eliminated entirely, their duration can be significantly reduced. Landlords are best served by working with proactive, efficient letting agents who are continuing to evolve their proposition through tech-led solutions, stronger operational infrastructure, and more streamlined processes. These improvements help agents accelerate re-letting, improve service levels, and ultimately ensure properties spend less time empty and more time generating income.
“This is one of our core focusses when an agent joins the Dwelly group, where enhanced technology, operational support, and shared best practice are designed to improve efficiency and help minimise void periods over the long term.”
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