More than half of rental homes across Great Britain were available for immediate move-in as tenants raced to get settled before Christmas, according to analysis from Benham and Reeves.
Benham and Reeves found 124,627 homes were listed to rent, with 63,922 classed as immediate rentals.
This meant 51.3% of available homes allowed tenants to move in without delay.
Scotland had the highest share of instant availability, with 64.5% of listings ready to move into.
The East of England followed at 60.9%, while London ranked third at 53.4%.
Yorkshire and the Humber sat at the lowest end, with just 44.9% of homes ready for immediate move-in.
Wales and the North East also remained below halfway, at 46.4% and 46.7%.
Marc von Grundherr, director at Benham and Reeves, said: “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.
“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.”
He added: “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.”
