Booming demand for homes in commuter zones and well-connected towns is causing a mini-boom in the lettings market.

That’s the view of buy to let specialist Thirlmere Deacon which says fall out from the pandemic has left more renters demanding more space in larger properties in the suburbs.

Rents outside London are up eight per cent in the past year; but the capital itself has swung into reverse with average rents in inner London falling 17 per cent annually according to Hamptons lettings agents.

This rise in rents of newly let property outside London is the highest since 2012; rents grew in outer London by five per cent and in the South East by 10 per cent.

Thirlmere Deacon director Stuart Williams says: “Investors who have been closely monitoring market movements will recognise that there’s been a shift in tenant preferences and an increased demand for properties located in commuter towns.”