Letting agents and landlords in the Essex area are struggling to keep up with demand for rental accommodation, it has been claimed.

According to David Lancaster at the Chelmsford branch of estate agent Savills, among the most in demand properties are family-sized townhouses and cottages in areas within easy commuting distance of London.

Such is the level of demand for these property types that the homes they do have are being “snapped up very quickly,” he added.

He told residentiallandlord.co.uk: “There simply aren’t enough good properties to go round, but it is an excellent market and anyone thinking of letting their house, perhaps to finance a move of their own, would do well to seek advice.”

“People have all sorts of reasons which mean they have to move rather than stay put. It could be a job relocation, or a change of school or lifestyle. At the moment, many can’t find anything to buy at what they consider to be the right price.”