Average rents in England and Wales fall

Average rents for homes to let across England and Wales fell 0.2% in May month on month and now stand at £792 per month, according to the latest index data.

This compares to a long term average monthly rise of 0.4% over every May since the recession but they are still up 1.8% over the last 12 months, the data from the buy to let index from Your Move and Reeds Rains shows.

However, on an annual basis rents have seen half the annual rate of rental growth seen at the start of 2016, when in January this stood previously at 3.6%.

According to Adrian Gill, director of lettings agents Your Move and Reeds Rains, the number of properties to let coming on the rental market has disrupted the normal dynamics of supply and demand.

‘Landlords escaping a much larger stamp duty bill by completing their purchases before 1st April have now finished their repairs and paperwork, with these homes to let competing for tenants in May and into June. That short term mismatch has made May an exceptional month, with excellent deals available for some prospective tenants,’ he explained.