The Hidden Cost of Voids: How to Protect Your BTR Portfolio with Tech-Driven Solutions

TL;DR (Summary)
Voids remain one of the most unpredictable and damaging forms of leakage in Build to Rent (BTR). While service charges and operating costs are highly predictable, void periods can swing dramatically—wiping out margins with little warning. Beyond lost rent, hidden costs like council tax and utilities quietly erode your NOI. Proactive, tech-enabled leasing strategies are essential to mitigate these risks. At Home Made, our tech-led model has helped clients reduce voids by an average of 30%. Here's how we do it—and how you can too.

Voids: The Most Volatile Source of Income Loss

In BTR operations, few threats are as financially damaging — or as frequently underestimated — as void periods. Unlike planned expenditures, voids strike with little notice and can rapidly drain the net income. For context, a sudden rise in vacancy across your portfolio can cost as much as a threefold increase in service charges within a year. But, while service charges are generally predictable, void periods fluctuate and are harder to control without the right systems in place.

Worse still, voids carry hidden costs. Council tax, utilities, and ongoing maintenance add to the financial strain, all while generating no income. Empty units also impact your broader scheme, sending the wrong message to potential renters and undermining the sense of community you're building.

Why Traditional Leasing Methods Don’t Cut It

Many landlords still depend on traditional, manual approaches to leasing. These methods often rely on individual capacity, meaning performance can vary depending on workloads, staff turnover, and speed of response. Processes tend to be reactive — voids are only addressed once they become unmanageable, which leads to slow recoveries and prolonged vacancy periods.

Manual inputs also make it difficult to keep track of real-time performance across a portfolio. Without live data and responsive systems, decisions are often based on outdated reports or gut instinct, rather than current market conditions.

Technology as the BTR Differentiator

A tech-enabled leasing model is no longer a luxury — it's a necessity. Technology empowers BTR operators to work faster, smarter, and more strategically. By digitising and streamlining the renter journey, operators can reduce friction at every stage of the process, from enquiry through to contract signing.

At Home Made, we use our proprietary technology to manage voids proactively. Our system integrates marketing, reporting, pricing and leasing into one seamless platform. That means no delays, no missed opportunities, and no reliance on slow manual follow-ups.

Our real-time data tools help operators monitor performance at the unit level, identify early signs of trouble, and adjust pricing or strategy before issues escalate. We also leverage seasonal demand trends to refine marketing efforts—maximising exposure during peak periods and fine-tuning campaigns when market activity slows.

What This Looks Like in Practice

Our tech stack allows us to move quickly and decisively.  Automated workflows enable us to manage multiple listings and applicants simultaneously, meaning we never miss a lead.  Our pricing engine uses live market data to inform rent adjustments that balance competitiveness with profitability.

We also prioritise renter experience. Our digital-first approach reduces admin friction, shortens the application process, and improves engagement—ultimately increasing conversion rates. For landlords, this means units let faster, and for renters, it creates a seamless experience that builds loyalty and trust.

The result? Our BTR partners see, on average, a 30% reduction in voids compared to traditional providers.

Why This Matters for Long-Term Portfolio Performance

Reducing voids isn’t just about short-term gains—it’s fundamental to long-term asset performance. Persistent vacancy erodes brand value, hinders community development, and impacts your NOI over time. In a competitive market, the ability to maintain consistently low voids is a powerful differentiator.

By adopting a tech-enabled approach, landlords can gain a clearer understanding of what drives performance across their assets, make smarter pricing decisions, and deliver a better tenant experience—all while keeping voids under control.

Let’s Talk

If you’re a BTR operator looking to reduce leakage and improve leasing outcomes, we’d love to show you how we can help. Our model is built for modern, scalable BTR operations—and it’s delivering measurable results across the UK.

👉 Reach out to our BTR team today to learn how Home Made can reduce your voids and enhance your operational performance.

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