Tenants looking to secure a home before Christmas face better odds than usual, with new analysis from Benham and Reeves showing that more than half of all rental listings across Great Britain are available for immediate occupation.
The study examined 124,627 homes currently listed to let, identifying which are marketed as “immediate rentals” – properties that can be moved into without delay.
Of these, 63,922 fall into that category, meaning 51.3% of the market offers the potential for a fast turnaround.
Scotland leads the way, with 64.5% of available homes classed as immediately available. The East of England follows at 60.9%, while London ranks third, with 53.4% of listings offering the chance of a swift move-in.
PLENTY OF CHOICE IN MOVING MARKET
Availability is tighter in parts of the North and Wales. Yorkshire and the Humber sits at just 44.9%, with Wales and the North East also below the halfway mark at 46.4% and 46.7%.
Marc von Grundherr (main picture), Director of Benham and Reeves, says: “This is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year for the rental market. Many tenants look to get their affairs in order ahead of the new year, whether they are relocating for work, returning from overseas or simply wanting a fresh start in January.”
RENTERS’ RIGHTS ACT
And he adds: “Despite the legislative upheavals of recent weeks, including the continued fallout from the Renters’ Rights Act, stock levels remain strong and there is still a healthy volume of homes that can facilitate an instant move.
“For tenants hoping to secure a property before Christmas, there is plenty of choice across much of the country, and those who are organised and proactive will find the market is still moving at pace.”
