Rental prices rise in January, LSL

  Rental prices went up in January, new figures from a letting agents firm have shown.

 According to LSL, the lettings market picked up "unseasonably early" this year, with a 0.1% rise in average rents to £712 a month in England and Wales.

 This is the first time since records began in 2008 that there has been a rent rise in January.

 Last year saw a boom in rental prices following a low volume of housing market transactions, as renters were unable to raise deposits to buy property.

  David Newnes, director at LSL, said: "The depth of the underlying demand sustained a higher level of competition for rental property during the Christmas period, preventing more severe falls in rents than we'd normally see during the period.

  "The rental market burst back into life unseasonably early in January, with tenants on the move trying to take advantage of what is usually a quieter period for the rental market."

 Those looking to rent Leeds professional accommodation will find there is still much choice available to cater for the large demand.

  Copyright Press Association 2012