Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Team from a report by Property118. Read the original article for full details.
Landlord Voids in England Now Exceed Three Weeks, Research Shows
Landlords in England are now facing an average wait of more than three weeks between tenants, according to new research from property management firm Rushbrook, reported by Property118. Void periods have lengthened for the third consecutive year, and each gap between tenancies leaves an estimated £1,097 hole in rental income.
The average period without a tenant reached 23.2 days in 2026, compared with 17.5 days previously, pushing the typical void beyond the three-week mark for the first time.
What the figures mean
The research, carried out by Rushbrook, shows a steady year-on-year trend rather than a sudden shift. With voids lengthening for a third consecutive year, the cumulative effect on landlords' rental income is significant: at an estimated £1,097 lost per gap, even modest increases in turnaround time translate into a meaningful dent in annual returns.
Why this matters for letting agents and inventory clerks
For letting agents, lengthening voids underline the commercial value of efficient turnaround processes. Every day a property sits empty carries a direct cost for the landlord, so the speed and quality of pre-tenancy work, from check-out reports through to marketing readiness, becomes a key part of the service offering.
For inventory clerks, the findings reinforce the importance of timely check-out inspections and prompt, detailed reporting. Delays at the end of a tenancy can extend the period before a property is ready to re-let, and with voids now averaging more than three weeks, there is little room in the schedule for slow turnaround.
Agents may also find the figures useful when advising landlord clients. Independent research showing that voids are lengthening year on year, and quantifying the cost of each gap, can help frame conversations about marketing lead times, renewal strategies and the value of minimising downtime between tenancies.
The Property AI Team will continue to monitor void-period data and its implications for the lettings sector.
Source: Property118