The DPS said the data from its quarterly rent index show increased demand for rural and larger properties and lower demand for urban properties and flats during the third quarter of 2020.

Matt Trevett, managing director at The DPS, said: “Our latest rent index clearly shows that tenants are following homeowners in reconsidering city living and moving to the countryside.

“The prevalence of homeworking seems to be causing many urban renters to reassess their priorities, including a new desire for increased indoor and outside space.

“Greater demand for both rural and larger properties seems to have driven rent prices up while urban property and flats have become cheaper for tenants.”

Paul Fryers, managing director at Zephyr Homeloans, which like The DPS forms part of the Computershare Group, added: “The DPS’ latest figures illustrate how quickly the coronavirus pandemic has influenced tenants’ behaviour.

“Landlords are looking strategically at their portfolios to maximise yields, which, along with the government’s decision to suspend stamp duty on the first £500,000 on all property sales until the end of March, is adding to increased activity in the buy to let mortgage market.”