Belvoir reveals rise in rental figures

Lettings franchise Belvoir has released figures showing a rise in rental figures for the first month of 2010. CEO of Belvoir Mike Goddard (pictured) said: "Belvoir has over 140 franchises nationwide and the Belvoir rental index figures we publish each month reveal the average rents achieved by all of those offices.

"Figures for January 2010 show that average rents across the country are now starting to increase. This was predicted, following two months of slight falls in rent over the Christmas and New Year period. January 2010 has therefore started on a positive note, which I believe is an indication of a strengthening market. Despite the fact that we are still effectively in a recession the lettings market is bucking the trend and continuing to grow.

Belvoir has also reported that the balance between landlords and tenants has balanced out. Mike added: "We now have a healthy balance of properties that are available to rent and tenants who want to rent properties. It is this healthy balance and increased demand that is beginning to push rents up. Belvoir is optimistic that this trend is likely to continue throughout 2010."