Void Periods: What They Cost and How to Avoid Them

An empty property costs more than most landlords think. Lost rent is the obvious one, but there are others: council tax (in most areas you pay full rate when the property is empty), insurance implications, and the risk of the property looking neglected. Add in the cost of re-marketing and the time it takes to find a new tenant, and a void of a few months can wipe out a big chunk of a year's income.

Why do void periods happen? The main reasons I see are overpricing, poor condition, and bad timing. Overpricing is the big one. If your property is priced above what the market will bear, it will sit. Viewers will compare it to similar properties that are cheaper and move on. By the time you reduce the price, you have already lost weeks. Pricing correctly from day one is the single best way to avoid a long void.

Poor condition puts people off. Tenants have choices. If your property is tired, dirty, or badly presented, they will rent somewhere else. You do not have to spend a fortune: a deep clean, a fresh coat of paint, and decent photos make a huge difference. Professional photography is worth it. Blurry phone shots and dark rooms do not sell a property.

Timing matters too. Plan around notice periods. If your tenant has given two months' notice, start marketing as soon as you can so you have a new tenant lined up for when they leave. Leaving it until the week before creates a gap.

The landlords who keep voids to a minimum are the ones who price realistically, maintain their properties, and stay organised. It is not glamorous, but it works. I am always happy to connect with fellow property professionals. If you would like to get in touch, you can reach me at jess@jhwood.homes or via LinkedIn.