The average rental cost of a property in February 2024 was 7% higher than at the same time in 2023, according to data released by Goodlord.
Average rents rose by 1% during February, taking the average cost per property to £1,162 in England, up from £1,154 in January.
The new average figure of £1,162 means tenants are paying 7% more rent compared to February 2023.
Looking at the year-on-year data for February 2024 compared with February 2023, the biggest increase in rents was seen in the South West, where year-on-year prices rose by 11%.
This was followed by the North East, with a 7.5% rise in rents.
The smallest year-on-year change was seen in the West Midlands, where tenants paid 4.5% more in rent compared with this time last year.
The biggest regional rise in rents during February was in the South West and the South East, where rents rose by 2.5%.
The average price of rental property in the South East is now £1,293, with the South West not far behind at £1,173.
Although overall rents rose across England by 1%, two regions saw a drop in prices during February.
Rents in the West Midlands dipped by 2% and Greater London also saw a decrease, with rents dropping by 1%.
Void periods also shortened during February, from 22 days on average across England to 18 days – a reduction of 18%.
The biggest change to voids was recorded in the North East, where a 29% shift saw voids shorten from 24 days in January to just 17 days in February.
All regions recorded shorter voids, with the exception of the South West, which saw void periods hold steady at 20 days month-on-month.
William Reeve, CEO at Goodlord, said: “We don’t normally see a bump in rents during February. It’s typically a slower month where things cool off following the post-Christmas release of demand we see in January.
“The fact that we’re seeing a rise this month is indicative of the ongoing squeeze on the market and a lack of available stock – something that’s further evidenced by the shortening of voids across England.
“Right now, the market is delivering fairly consistent year-on-year stats when it comes to rent rises and we continue to hover around the 7% mark.
“All eyes will be on whether this starts to reduce as we come into the summer following last year’s record breaking numbers, or if new records will be set.”
