For much of the last few years, England’s rental market has been defined by fierce competition, soaring rents and minimal void periods. But the latest data suggests that the tide may finally be turning which for landlords, this shift brings a new set of risks that can no longer be ignored.
Recent figures from Goodlord show that while rents are still rising, the pace of growth is slowing significantly. More importantly, void periods are getting longer which is a warning sign that income certainty is becoming harder to achieve through traditional letting models.
This is exactly where guaranteed rent solutions, such as the Elliot Leigh Guaranteed Rent Scheme, come into their own.
Slower Rent Growth Signals a Changing Market
According to the latest Goodlord Rental Index, average rents rose by 2.4% year-on-year in January, down sharply from 4.6% at the same time last year. With average rents now sitting at £1,201, growth is not only slowing but falling below both inflation (3.6%) and wage growth (4.5%).
In simple terms, landlords can no longer rely on aggressive rent increases to offset rising costs or unexpected gaps in occupancy.
Goodlord CEO William Reeve described the market as showing “early signs of softening demand,” with a gradual return to equilibrium after years of tenant competition. For landlords, this “equilibrium” often translates into longer marketing times, more negotiations, and reduced leverage.
Void Periods: The Hidden Cost Landlords Are Now Facing
Perhaps the most concerning statistic for landlords is the rise in void periods.
The national average void length has increased from 23 days to 26 days and in some regions the change is far more dramatic. In the East of England, voids have jumped from 21 days to 32 days. In the North West, they have risen from 18 days to 26 days.
Each additional day a property sits empty represents lost income, ongoing mortgage payments, council tax, utilities, and service charges, all without any rent coming in.
While London was the only region to see voids shorten slightly, the overall trend is clear: rental income is becoming less predictable.
Guaranteed Rent: Certainty in an Uncertain Market
This is precisely why guaranteed rent is gaining traction among experienced landlords.
Under the Elliot Leigh Guaranteed Rent Scheme, landlords receive a fixed, guaranteed monthly rent, regardless of whether the property is occupied. Void periods, tenant turnover, and seasonal demand fluctuations are no longer the landlord’s problem.
Even as traditional landlords face growing gaps between tenancies, guaranteed rent landlords continue to receive consistent income on time, every month.
In a market where voids are lengthening and demand is softening, this certainty is invaluable.
Protection Ahead of Regulatory Change
Another looming factor is the Renters’ Rights Act, expected to come into force in May 2026. The legislation is likely to further complicate property management, extend possession timelines, and increase compliance responsibilities for landlords.
Guaranteed rent schemes offer a layer of insulation from these changes. With day-to-day management, compliance, and occupancy handled on your behalf, landlords can step back from operational risk while still enjoying stable returns.
A Smarter Strategy for 2026 and Beyond
The message from the data is clear: the rental market is normalising, and with that normalisation comes increased risk for landlords who rely on continuous tenant demand.
Longer void periods are no longer an exception as they are becoming part of the new landscape.
For landlords looking to protect their income, simplify management, and future-proof their portfolios, the Elliot Leigh Guaranteed Rent Scheme offers a compelling alternative to traditional letting especially at a time when every empty day counts. Contact us to find out what fixed rental income you could achieve for your future.
