Lettings: understanding the true cost of a void period

Published: 31/03/2026

Void periods, when a property is empty between tenancies - are often underestimated.

At first glance, a short gap might not seem significant. But when you break it down, the impact becomes clearer.

A void period includes:
 • Lost rental income
 • Ongoing bills and council tax
 • Potential re-marketing costs

Even a few weeks can make a noticeable difference to annual returns.

This is why pricing and tenant selection are so important.

Setting the rent too high may reduce initial interest, increasing the likelihood of a void. On the other hand, choosing the right tenant, someone likely to stay longer - can reduce turnover and create more consistent income over time.
In many cases, a slightly lower rent with a reliable, long-term tenant delivers a better overall return than chasing the highest possible figure.

Lettings is about consistency as much as it is about price.