New figures on rental property vacancy rates have shown that Hobart has the tightest rate of all the capitals, with just 0.6% (162) of properties vacant.

The analysis from SQM Research shows it’s a good market for landlords but anyone looking to rent could be facing stiff competition. There was a slight rise in the number of properties available last month, but this only amounted to a net increase of 14.

National online listings  show that vacancy rates across the country were up to 2.4% in September compared to 2.3% in August.

This means there are just over 75,000 homes up for rent nationwide.

Sydney and Melbourne are delivering fairly low vacancy rates of 1.8% and 2% respectively. Adelaide was also at 2% last month while Brisbane was slightly higher at 2.9%. Topping the list were Darwin at 3.1% and Perth at 5%.

The result of Perth’s climbing vacancy rates is lower rents, with the average asking price for a house now at $431 a week and for units, $343.

Sydney is still topping the property price charts, with average asking rents of $725 per week for houses and $510 for units.

SQM Research reckons we’ll continue to see vacancy rates rise in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney during 2017 as more apartment stock becomes available.