With the rental market shifting in response to economic pressures, legislation updates and rising living costs, one thing remains constant: good tenants are worth their weight in gold. But in a competitive market, how can landlords attract the right tenants quickly, reduce voids and secure long-term, reliable renters?
Whether you’re an experienced landlord or dipping your toes into buy-to-let for the first time, this guide shares the top strategies you can use to make your property more appealing and get ahead in 2025.
Let’s explore the steps that landlords across the Country Properties network are using to fill homes faster, maximise rental income, and minimise hassle.
Why tenant attraction matters more than ever in 2025
This year’s rental market remains fast-moving, but also more selective. According to the latest Rightmove Rental Trends Tracker, tenant demand remains high across much of the UK, especially in suburban and semi-rural areas. However, rising rents mean tenants are becoming more cautious about where they move, how long they stay, and what value they get for their money.
Zoopla’s recent rental report shows that the average rent for new lets has increased by more than 10% year-on-year in some regions. With affordability being stretched, tenants are looking for homes that offer not only space and location, but also efficiency, flexibility and reliability.
In this environment, landlords who understand their audience and present their properties in the best possible light are the ones who stand out.
Get the pricing right from day one
It may be tempting to push for the highest rent possible, especially with headlines around rent inflation. But in reality, overpricing a rental property can lead to longer void periods, reduced enquiries, and ultimately lower returns.
Setting a fair and competitive rent based on local market conditions is key. Tools like Rightmove and Zoopla can give you a rough benchmark, but nothing replaces local knowledge. Working with a letting agent like Country Properties gives you access to real-time data on what similar properties in your area are actually letting for – and how fast.
Start strong by booking a free rental valuation with our local team.
Make a strong first impression with professional marketing
First impressions count, and in a digital-first world, your property’s online listing is its shop window. High-quality marketing not only attracts more tenant interest, but often secures better-quality applicants.
Every listing should include:
- Professional-grade photography – light, bright, and showcasing key features
- Accurate and engaging descriptions – don’t just list rooms; tell a story
- Clear floorplans with room sizes
- EPC rating and council tax band
If you’re marketing in autumn or winter, consider how you can make your property feel warm and inviting. Tidy gardens, clean windows, switched-on lighting, and seasonal styling (like cosy throws or soft lighting) can help make the property feel like a home.
Country Properties listings also appear across all major portals, including Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket – giving your rental the visibility it needs.
Focus on features that modern tenants want
Today’s renters are more discerning than ever. It’s not just about square footage and location anymore. The features and lifestyle benefits of your property can be just as important.
Here are some of the most in-demand features for 2025:
- Energy efficiency: With rising bills, tenants are actively looking at EPC ratings. Homes rated C or above are preferred and often let faster.
- Broadband speed: Particularly important for remote workers or households with multiple occupants.
- Modern kitchens and bathrooms: Clean, neutral, and recently updated interiors always perform better.
- Outdoor space: Even a small garden or balcony is a big plus, especially for tenants with children or pets.
- Storage: Built-in storage or additional sheds/utility space is increasingly important.
- White goods included: Furnished or unfurnished, tenants expect a washer, cooker and often a fridge-freezer.
Where possible, make upgrades that match these preferences – it doesn’t have to be expensive. Even small updates, like better lighting, refreshed paintwork or new cabinet handles, can make a noticeable difference.
Target the right tenants with the right property type
Understanding your ideal tenant profile is crucial to attracting the right kind of renter. A one-bedroom flat near the station may be ideal for a young professional, while a three-bed semi with a garden will likely attract families.
Match your marketing approach accordingly:
- Highlight proximity to schools for family homes
- Emphasise fast transport links or broadband for professionals
- Mention local amenities and community feel
- If your property is pet-friendly, make it clear – you’ll open yourself up to a much wider pool
Being clear about your expectations and tenant suitability in the listing helps reduce mismatched enquiries and gets you closer to a great fit.
Offer flexibility where possible
In a competitive market, flexibility can be a winning strategy. While it’s important to protect your property and set clear terms, being open to the following can increase tenant interest:
- Longer tenancies: Families and older tenants often prefer stability
- Pets allowed: With over 50% of UK households owning pets, this is a fast-growing segment
- Furnishing options: Offering to let furnished, part-furnished or unfurnished can help appeal to different tenant types
- Move-in dates: Being able to accommodate sooner or later start dates gives you an edge
This doesn’t mean accepting every request. It means thinking strategically about what small adjustments could widen your appeal without increasing your risk.
Prioritise compliance and condition
Nothing turns tenants away faster than signs of neglect or non-compliance. A well-maintained, legally compliant property gives tenants peace of mind – and gives you long-term protection.
At a minimum, your rental must meet legal safety standards, including:
- A valid EPC certificate (minimum E rating, with upcoming changes possibly requiring C or above)
- Gas safety certificate (updated annually)
- Electrical safety checks (EICR every five years)
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Deposit registered in a government-backed scheme
Letting out with Country Properties means you won’t miss any legal changes. Our team ensures full compliance and can manage ongoing maintenance, inspections and renewals for you.
Work with a letting agent that tenants trust
A good letting agent does more than just find a tenant. They act as a bridge between landlord and renter, ensuring a smooth process for both sides.
Tenants are more likely to rent from agents with a professional, responsive and trustworthy reputation. With Country Properties, your property benefits from:
- Expert local market knowledge
- Detailed tenant referencing
- Hands-on viewing support and application handling
- Full property management options to handle everything from rent collection to emergency repairs
Explore our landlord services.
Keep tenants happy to reduce turnover
The most cost-effective strategy of all? Keep your existing tenants happy.
When tenants feel respected, safe and comfortable, they stay longer. This means fewer void periods, less marketing spend, and more consistent income.
Simple ways to retain good tenants:
- Respond to issues promptly
- Schedule regular maintenance checks
- Be fair with rent increases and give reasonable notice
- Offer upgrades or improvements over time
- Communicate openly and respectfully
The landlord-tenant relationship is increasingly viewed as a partnership. If you approach it this way, you’ll reap the rewards in long-term security.
Conclusion
The rental market in 2025 may be evolving, but the fundamentals remain the same: tenants want quality, value and reliability. As a landlord, it’s your job to present a property that meets those needs – and to work with professionals who can help you every step of the way.
At Country Properties, we work with landlords across the region to attract great tenants, reduce voids and protect investments. Whether you have one property or a growing portfolio, our expert team is here to help.
Looking to let your property? Book your free rental valuation today.
