The number of valuation appraisals for rental properties in the week ending 6 June was the highest number on record and 19 per cent above the five-year average, according to data from Knight Frank.

Demand for viewings of rental properties in London has rebounded sharply since lockdown restrictions eased on May 13 and is outpacing demand from prospective buyers looking to view homes.

The number of viewings last week was 1 per cent higher than the five-year average despite the fact social distancing rules remain in place. 

However, viewings in the sales market were down by 26 per cent on the five-year average.

The weekly number of new prospective tenants registering with agents was 40 per cent above the five-year average and the second highest figure this year.

Web views for lettings properties last week were 33 per cent higher than the five-year average whereas there was a 12 per cent decline for sales.

Despite the increase, activity levels in the lettings market have not returned to where they were during the second half of 2019 when demand was boosted by uncertainty in the sales market due to Brexit-related political volatility. 

The three highest weeks on record for new prospective tenants registering were all in September last year.

Knight Frank head of lettings for London’s City, east and Riverside regions Jon Reynolds says: “We expect demand to get even stronger when there is more certainty around how universities will be teaching their courses next year.

“Those announcements will make a huge difference and demand will be bolstered further as companies reactivate relocation plans that are currently on hold.”