Is now a good time to let your property through Ellis & Co?
If you’re a landlord or property investor wondering whether now is the right time to let your property, you’re not alone. With rising mortgage rates, changing regulations and fluctuating tenant demand, it’s a question many are asking.
The good news? Despite the headlines, the rental market in 2025 remains strong in many areas — especially for well-located, well-presented properties. At Ellis & Co, we’re helping landlords navigate this evolving market to secure high-quality tenants and maximise their returns.
In this guide, we’ll explore whether now is a good time to let, what’s driving tenant demand, and how working with Ellis & Co can help you make the most of your rental property.
What’s happening in the rental market right now?
According to Zoopla’s Q3 2025 Rental Market Report, average UK rents have risen 6.2% year-on-year, driven by a combination of low rental stock and high tenant demand. Meanwhile, Rightmove’s Rental Trends Tracker shows that rental demand in London has remained robust, even as affordability pressures cause tenants to become more selective.
Key trends include:
- Fewer rental properties available: Many accidental landlords have sold up due to rising costs, creating a supply squeeze.
- Longer tenancies: Tenants are staying longer to avoid moving costs and competition.
- Tenant expectations rising: Energy efficiency, space to work from home, and location are top of mind.
In areas where Ellis & Co operates — including north, west and central London — we’ve seen strong demand across one- and two-bedroom flats, as well as family homes with gardens and good transport links.
While tenant affordability is under pressure, well-priced properties in the right locations are still letting quickly.
Why now could be the right time to let
If you already own a rental property or are considering becoming a landlord, there are several reasons why 2025 could be a smart time to let:
1. Tenant demand is still outpacing supply
With fewer homes coming to the rental market and more people choosing to rent long-term, demand for good-quality rental homes remains strong. Many Ellis & Co branches report multiple enquiries for competitively priced properties.
2. Higher yields in certain locations
While property prices have levelled off in many areas, rents have continued to rise. This creates the potential for stronger yields, particularly in boroughs where demand is high and new listings are limited.
3. Autumn/winter tenant demand
Many tenants are still looking to move before the end of the year, especially relocators, professionals, and families. This creates opportunities for landlords to let quickly if they act now.
4. Less competition from other landlords
Some landlords have exited the market due to uncertainty around legislation. If you’re in a strong position, you could benefit from lower competition and a wider pool of high-quality tenants.
What tenants are looking for in 2025
Tenant expectations have evolved in recent years, especially post-pandemic. Today’s renters are looking for homes that are efficient, comfortable and professionally managed.
Here are the most in-demand features:
- Energy efficiency: With bills still a concern, tenants favour homes with EPC ratings of C or above. Features like modern boilers, double glazing and insulation are becoming essential.
- Work-from-home space: Even a small study or flexible layout makes a difference. Tenants value good lighting and quiet spaces.
- Connectivity: Reliable broadband and mobile signals are a must, especially for hybrid workers.
- Transport and lifestyle access: Properties near train or tube stations, good schools, and green spaces tend to let faster.
- Professional management: Many tenants prefer letting through agencies like Ellis & Co, as it offers peace of mind and clear communication.
We work closely with landlords to ensure properties are presented and marketed in a way that meets these expectations.
How rental legislation is changing – and how we help landlords stay compliant
The UK rental sector continues to evolve. In 2025, landlords face a range of regulatory changes that can affect how they let their property.
Key changes and risks include:
- Renters Reform Bill: Although still progressing through Parliament, this is expected to introduce the end of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, standardised tenancy structures, and stronger tenant rights.
- EPC changes: Landlords are being encouraged to meet higher energy standards. While the minimum EPC rating is still E, upcoming changes may enforce a C rating for new tenancies.
- Deposit and documentation rules: Ensuring deposits are protected, and legal documents like the How to Rent guide, gas safety, and EICR certificates are correctly provided.
Letting a property without keeping up with legislation can lead to costly penalties. That’s where Ellis & Co comes in.
Our expert team supports landlords by:
- Carrying out full tenant referencing and right-to-rent checks
- Ensuring all safety certificates are up to date and legally compliant
- Registering deposits and issuing documentation correctly
- Keeping you informed of changes before they happen
- Offering full property management to handle ongoing compliance
With Ellis & Co, landlords can let with confidence.
Maximising your return with the right letting strategy
Letting a property successfully isn’t just about listing it — it’s about creating a strategy tailored to your goals.
Short-term vs long-term lets
Most landlords are still favouring long-term ASTs, especially as legislation is changing. However, in high-demand areas or for furnished homes, short-term lets may still work well. We help you weigh up the options.
Furnished or unfurnished?
Tenant preferences vary by area and property type. In London, younger tenants often expect part-furnished properties. Families tend to prefer unfurnished. We advise based on current demand in your postcode.
Setting the right rent
Using tools like Zoopla’s rental valuation model and Rightmove’s local trends, combined with our own market data, we help landlords price competitively to reduce voids and maximise returns.
Presentation matters
We ensure your property stands out with:
- Professional photography
- Accurate, compelling listings
- Floorplans and key features
- Listings on all major portals, including Ellis & Co’s own high-traffic site
Why landlords choose Ellis & Co
With so much to think about, landlords need a letting partner they can trust. Ellis & Co offers a personal yet professional service backed by decades of experience.
What sets us apart:
- Local knowledge: Our network of branches across London gives us detailed insight into what tenants want in each postcode.
- Fast lettings: We use proactive marketing and a database of pre-qualified tenants to let properties quickly.
- Flexible services: From fully managed to let-only, we tailor our service to fit your needs.
- Legal and regulatory support: We keep you up to date and protected, even as laws change.
- Landlord portal: Track rent, maintenance, and documents in one secure online hub.
- Excellent feedback: Many of our landlords work with us for years and recommend us based on trust, results and peace of mind.
Conclusion
The rental market in 2025 is full of opportunities for informed landlords. While tenant expectations are evolving and legislation is shifting, demand remains strong — especially in the areas Ellis & Co knows best.
If you’re thinking about letting your property, now could be the ideal time. With professional guidance, strategic pricing and strong local insight, we’ll help you find the right tenant and make the most of your investment.
Ready to get started? Book your free lettings valuation today.
