The rental market picked up pace in May with a rise in demand from rental applicants, while void periods fell across the country, according to the latest Goodlord Rental Index.

Voids dropped in seven of the eight regions monitored by Goodlord during May, reducing the average void period in England by 15% overall.

The West Midlands saw the biggest shift, with voids reducing from 27 days to just 18 days – a reduction of 33%.

This was followed by an 18% drop in the South West, 15% in Greater London and 13% in the East Midlands.

The only region to record an increase in void periods was the North East, where voids rose by one day in May – from 29 to 30 days.

Meanwhile, the average cost of rent in England remained broadly unchanged between April and May, as sustained demand kept prices level. Overall, the country average shifted very slightly from £920 per calendar month (pcm) in April to £919pcm in May.

The North West, North East and South West all recorded modest rises in the average cost of rent.

The East Midlands, Greater London, the South East, and the West Midlands saw prices dip slightly.

Overall, no region saw a rise or fall greater than 4% during May. This continues a trend of steady rent prices that have been seen throughout 2021 to date.

Tom Mundy, COO of Goodlord, said: “The latest figures show that we’re on track for a bumper summer of lettings. Whilst many agents have been busy with sales, the lettings market has been quietly gathering steam and now looks set to make things very busy for the rest of the summer.

“This time of year is always a busy period but the combination of increased consumer confidence, pent up demand, and what looks like a more normal year ahead for student housing, is on track to deliver a hugely successful season for the lettings market.

“Agents and landlords should make sure they’re prepared for this demand and ready to capitalise on it.”