Rental demand up 63% in December

Despite a 14% month on month slowdown in the number of people signing up to new leases, rental demand in December was up 63% on 2007. The firm said a dip in tenant demand is normal over the Christmas period. "In 2008 the lettings market was the only good apple in a bad cart," explains David Newnes, managing director of Your Move. "House prices were falling, no-one could get a mortgage, economic data was abysmal. The mortgage market is still choked but the drop in lending has boosted the lettings market." "People are actively choosing to rent as it offers flexibility in this market. Hous...