By Tony Booth

Despite positive data over the last few months, the latest statistics suggest rents in the UK are now dropping at an alarming rate.

This is yet more bad news for buy-to-let investors and particularly those trying to outrun storm clouds in the property market.

In a dramatic turnaround of fortunes, the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) has just released its latest survey report, which shows rents have tumbled by around 7 per cent in the UK over the last three months. This is despite the demand for rented property by willing tenants being at an all time high.

Landlords are choosing to reduce their usual rent levels to secure good tenants, thereby limiting the impact of potential voids.