D. J. Alexander recorded 235 new rentals during July which was 30% higher than the firms’ 2019 level and says that extremely high demand is helping to maintain rents as the market remains under supplied.

Virtual viewings are undoubtedly the biggest change the rental property market has experienced, and the majority of rentals have been finalised through virtual viewings, with tenants going through the whole process without stepping foot on the property.

The firm says most individuals have adapted quickly to the new ways of operating and this is a testament to the acceptance and effectiveness of virtual viewings.

David Alexander, joint managing director of D. J. Alexander, commented:

“We have had an incredibly busy July with substantially increased demand from renters. This has helped to maintain rents at their previous levels at a time when many in the sector believed that pricing might be vulnerable.”

“These figures are extremely encouraging and perhaps reflect the pent-up demand which may have built up in the previous months.

“It is hard to say whether this will continue but it is an extremely encouraging and hopeful start to the easing of lockdown. People are desperate to return to some sort of normality and their acceptance of virtual viewings is an interesting development.

“Technology has kept many of us in touch with family, friends, and work during the lockdown and there appears to be much greater acceptance in using new methods to view properties than any of us would have believed six months ago.

“While there will undoubtedly be more bumps in the road as the year progresses and the prevalence of the virus fluctuates this is a great start and offers some hope that we will get through this and the market will prevail.”