Another analysis of the lettings market by PropTech firm Goodlord has shown that the intense heat is not confined to the weather – the volume of new tenancies, too, is up significantly compared to the same period last year. 

The analysis compared market activity in England between July 8 and July 19 this month – during which time temperatures steadily rose and broke records across England – and the same period during July 2021 during which time the top temperature in England was a more modest 27 degrees Centigrade.

Despite intense heat which buckled the rail system and created transport chaos, the number of tenancies being processed was up 22 per cent year on year.

Tom Mundy, chief operating officer of Goodlord, comments: “We might have expected the heatwave to dampen down activity, with the soaring temperatures hitting productivity or reducing tenant appetite for viewings. 

“But the data tells a different story and shows that the market is significantly busier than at the same time last year. We’re right in the middle of some of the busiest months for the market and the heat doesn’t appear to be cooling demand in the slightest. 

“With continued pressure on existing stock, tenants know that there is no time to lose if they want to secure their next home.”