In February, average rents across England rose, while voids were shortened in all regions. This is according to the latest Goodlord rental index, which together shows that as we enter the spring, several signs indicate an increase in tenant demand.
Rents in February rose 4% year-on-year. Now, rents in England are on average £1,209, compared to £1,162 in February 2024. Compared with January 2025, the year-on-year increase in rental prices has dropped slightly, which has led to a year-on-year increase of nearly 5%.
The biggest year-on-year rent increase in February is expected to increase the price by 7% on the West Midlands from February 2024 (from £934 to £1,000).
The smallest annual growth is recorded in the central eastern region, with rents relatively small at 2.5% (from £992 to £1,018).
One month of delivery in February rose. Prices rose slightly (up 0.2%), from £1,207 to £1,209 per property.
This could be an early indicator that we have another summer of a significant increase in rents.
The biggest monthly rent rise is recorded in the East Midland, where its price jumped 3% (from £987 to £1,018), followed by a 2% increase in the southeast (from £1,320 to £1,350).
However, there is no overall increase. Rents fell slightly in several areas in February. Rental averages in Greater London, Northeast and Northwest fell.
After reaching a record length in January, the void – the length of time the property was vacant between tenants – was driving down again in February, with all areas under monitoring and seeing the void cut.
The gaps shortened from an average of 24 days in January to 20 days in February (down 17%). This is the lowest space length recorded since October 2024.
However, the average 20 days in February 2025 is still higher than the year-on-year figure – in February 2024, the gap average is in 18 days.
Goodlord CEO William Reeve commented: “In the latest data, we still see signs of rising market demand that refuses to calm down. The gap has been shortened again after the record-breaking length in January.
“While total rents in February are only slightly higher than the January figures, we don’t always see monthly increases every month at this time of year. There are strong signs that PR will continue to heat up next to the weather.”
