A surge in high-value student lets saw average rents and void periods break records in July, according to Goodlord.

Higher than average demand for student lets, including high-value properties that were snapped up by student tenants, saw average rental prices in England jump by 18% last month, says the digital letting platform’s monthly rental index.

This took the average rent up from £1,050 last month to a record £1,238 in July, with all regions in England posting rises.

The largest increase was seen in the North West, where prices rocketed by 44%, says the study. Students renting in the region, which is home to several universities in Manchester and Liverpool, are behind the surge. Average costs in the North West are now £1,213, up from £838.

The next biggest rise came in the South West —  home to universities in Bristol, Bath and Exeter — with price averages lifting by 36%, taking the average cost of a rental property in the region to £1,539 from £1,130.

The most expensive place to rent in England, Greater London, saw the least movement in average costs, rising by 3% to £1,797 per property over the period.

Last month also saw the lowest ever level of void rates, plunging by 41% to move to 10 days from 17 days on average. Every region saw a significant reduction in voids.

The report says: “Again, this was driven by a surge in demand for student lets, with the North West and the South West seeing the biggest proportional fall in voids.”

The lowest voids in England are in the South West, at five days, followed by the North West on seven days.

The West Midlands has the highest level of void days, at 17 days, although this was a 29% fall from 24 days the month before.

The index adds that the average income for tenants edged up 1% to £29,637 per tenant in July compared to June. However, The biggest salary shift was seen in the East Midlands, where tenant take-home pay jumped by 15% to £30,918 month-on-month.

Goodlord chief operating officer Tom Mundy says: “Driven by a surge in high-value student lets, it’s been a staggering month for the market.

“The heatwave failed to cool demand and instead we’ve been seeing record-high rents and record-low voids. The lettings market is incredibly busy and demand shows no signs of abating this summer. Agents are working hard to ensure good quality homes stay in the rental market and tenant demand is met.”