"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"
- Marc von Grundherr - Benham and Reeves
The latest assessment from London lettings and estate agent Benham and Reeves has examined which parts of the British rental sector currently give tenants the strongest chance of moving before Christmas, with more than half of available properties listed as open for immediate occupation.
Benham and Reeves reviewed rental stock across Great Britain and identified how many properties to let are classed as immediate rentals, meaning prospective tenants could move in without delay. The figures offer an indication of where a quick turnaround is most achievable in the run-up to the new year.
The agency reported that 124,627 homes are listed to rent across Great Britain, and 63,922 of these fall within the immediate rental category. This places 51.3% of the market in a position to support a quick move for households aiming to settle before the festive period concludes.
Regional variation appears significant. Scotland records the highest proportion of instant availability, with 64.5% of listings offered without delay. The East of England follows, with 60.9% classed as immediately available, while London ranks third, with 53.4% of rental properties in the capital providing the scope for rapid occupation.
However, not all areas show the same pattern. Yorkshire and the Humber sits at 44.9%, while Wales and the North East remain below the halfway mark at 46.4% and 46.7%.
Across the regions, tenants searching for rapid availability can expect stronger supply in:
Scotland
East of England
London
By contrast, the lowest shares of immediate stock appear in:
Yorkshire and the Humber
Wales
North East
These figures indicate that tenants prepared to act promptly may still complete a move before the end of December, although success will vary depending on the location they are targeting.
“This is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year for the rental market,” explained Marc von Grundherr, director of Benham and Reeves. “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."
“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.”
