A recent study by Zero Deposit has shed light on a concerning trend in the rental market: only 49% of current listings are immediately available to tenants. Zero Deposit examined nearly 128,000 rental market stock listings to discern the divide between properties ready for immediate occupancy and those with a delayed availability.

Across England, the findings reveal that just under half of the current rental market listings offer immediate tenancy, presenting a challenge for renters seeking prompt relocation upon securing a property.

Further analysis shows that 16% of the current stock becomes available within a month, while 11% requires a waiting period of up to three months. Additionally, a significant 24% of listings withhold availability for six months or longer.

Regionally, the West Midlands boasts the highest proportion of rental stock ready for immediate occupancy at 56%, followed closely by the East of England and London, both at 53%.

However, the North East presents a pressing need for more landlords and rental properties, with only 42% of current stock immediately available. Moreover, 35% of listings in this region are not ready for occupancy for at least six months.

Similarly, the South East struggles with low availability, with just 44% of current stock ready for occupancy and 25% delaying occupancy for six months or more.

Sam Reynolds, CEO of Zero Deposit, underscores the significance of these findings: “Rental market supply is arguably the biggest issue within the sector today. This demonstrates the severe imbalance between supply and demand and really does highlight the need to encourage more landlords into the sector.

“This demonstrates the severe imbalance between supply and demand and really does highlight the need to encourage more landlords into the sector and provide sufficient incentives for them to stay there, in order to provide the vital rental homes needed.

“Unfortunately, the Government is yet to realise the error of its ways in deterring buy-to-let investors in recent years and until they do, we’re unlikely to see the landscape change for the better.”