Why do void periods happen?

Most voids come down to one of three things:

• Pricing – rent set too high compared to the local market.
• Presentation – tired décor or poor marketing photos.
• Timing – delays in getting the property ready or listed.

The good news? All three are preventable with the right advice and a bit of planning.

Step 1: price with precision

Setting the rent correctly is key. Prospective residents will always compare similar homes side by side, and if yours is even slightly overpriced, it will sit on the market. Think of it this way: if you walked into a dark, dingy shop where everything looked a little tired and the prices were higher than next door, would you buy? Probably not. Your property is no different. Presentation and pricing need to work hand-in-hand to attract the right resident quickly.

What you can do:

• Research current rents locally.
• Adjust for supply and demand.
• Be realistic — securing a reliable resident quickly is often more profitable than holding out for a few extra pounds.

We find that accurate pricing up front is far better than chasing an inflated figure and losing weeks of rent.

Step 2: present your property beautifully

A tired property lingers on the market, but a refreshed one stands out instantly. That’s where our Refurbishment Support Service makes all the difference. We can oversee everything — from arranging quotes and trusted tradespeople to managing works and getting the home professionally photographed. The goal: to make sure your property looks its best and is let as soon as possible.

Case study: transforming a “Scary Mary” into a stunning let in godmanchester

Just one of the projects we’ve been involved with this year shows exactly how the right refurbishment can turn a long-term void risk into a steady-earning investment.

The background:

Mrs B had lived in her cosy one-bed in Godmanchester for more than 30 years.

She was a heavy smoker, and although the home was warm and safe, it hadn’t been decorated since 1992. When Mrs B moved into care, the landlord decided to sell.

The property was tired, nicotine-stained, and in need of modernisation — but it also had solid bones and excellent rental potential.

The introduction:

Because we had managed the property for many years, we knew it inside out. We introduced the opportunity to one of our landlord clients as part of our Introductory Service, which highlights good-value properties we know will perform well as rentals.

As the buyer was out of area, we carried out a detailed video tour and arranged the introduction between seller and buyer. The offer was made and accepted shortly afterwards.

The refurbishment:

Once the purchase completed, our team project-managed a full modernisation of the property. Over a three-week period, the home was completely refurbished, including:

• Installation of a brand-new kitchen and bathroom
• Total redecoration throughout
• New flooring and carpets
• Upgrades to safety systems and lighting

We handled every aspect of the project — coordinating local contractors, keeping the landlord fully updated, and ensuring the property was ready for professional photography the moment works were completed.

The result:

Within days of marketing, the property was let to a professional resident at a strong market rent — achieving a far higher return than before and avoiding what could easily have been months of void time.
As we like to tell the landlord, “You could now be earning a far stronger return from a property that once scared viewers off!”

Step 3: keep great residents longer

Once your property is beautifully presented and priced right, the next step is keeping residents happy.

What you can do:

• Respond promptly to maintenance issues.
• Review rents fairly.
• Keep communication open and professional.

When residents feel cared for, they stay longer — and that’s the simplest way to avoid voids altogether.

Step 4: plan around market peaks

The rental market has seasonal highs and lows. Demand usually peaks in spring and summer.

What you can do:

• Aim for renewals or marketing periods in these high-demand months.
• Use flexible tenancy lengths to avoid awkward winter gaps.

Our property management team actively tracks renewal dates and market trends to help landlords plan strategically — so you’re never caught out by slower months.

Final thoughts

Running a rental property is a business  and like any business, consistent income relies on good presentation, fair pricing, and great customer (or in this case, resident) care.

After all, if you wouldn’t buy from a dark, overpriced shop, your prospective residents won’t either. Make your property somewhere bright, appealing, and fairly priced — and they’ll queue up to move in.

Void periods might be part of being a landlord, but they don’t have to be long or stressful. With the right preparation and support, your property can stay let and earning throughout the year.

At Maxine Lester Lettings, we help landlords every step of the way — from coordinating refurbishments to managing renewals and resident relationships — so your investment keeps performing at its best.

If you’d like advice on reducing voids or refurbishing between lets, get in touch with our friendly team. We’ll make sure your property stands out, stays occupied, and
keeps earning.