The rental market has changed dramatically in the last 10 years. What once may have been a challenge to replace ever-moving tenants in your properties and deal with void periods is now a highly demanded property type with tenants hoping to find their space and rent for the foreseeable future. It was not always like this, with most first-time buyers buying their first properties in their early twenties and saying goodbye to renting. Now, with affordability challenges leading to higher entry barriers onto the property ladder, young adults are relying on rental properties for their forever homes. But what’s changed in their demands, deeper than finding a simple one-bed property?
The rise of renter demand has also led to Buy To Let investors getting more competitive with the product they’re offering. A simple lick of paint and second-hand furniture on a BMV property for tenants is not cutting it anymore for landlords who hope to take advantage of all-time high rental charges, which surged by 9% this year alone. Now, renters have a much more tailored list of criteria, which, if met, can gain you long-term tenancies from couples and young professionals who don’t plan on moving any time soon.
So what are landlords missing, and what can they do to appease their most desirable tenants (long-term, pay on time, and most importantly, keep the property in a state as if it were their own homes)?
What renters look for in 2025
Suburban/ semi-rural locations
One of the more notable changes over the last 5 years is the demand for properties in suburban and or semi-suburban areas. These areas not only offer more square meters than city centre apartments, but they also allow them a greater quality of life, having the balance of a commutable location in major cities with more green spaces. These locations are typically home to more schooling locations too, so for families that wish to send their children to the best schools in the country whilst being within the catchment area, renting in such locations is more feasible than the all-time high house prices that are demanded in today’s markets. So, whether you’re looking to reinvest in a new location or sell an untenantable property to leverage your cash, consider investing in suburban and semi-rural locations with schools and great transport links to attract long-term renters.
Good transport links
Additionally, transport links have never been better. For locations that offer buses, trains, trams, and even community bikes/ electric scooters, renters see these areas as much more desirable. Many young people in 2025 are not getting their driving licenses altogether due to financial constraints and long waiting lists for driving exams. Young professionals are relying on affordable transport, which many surrounding suburban areas of cities now offer. Seek buy-to-let investment properties that offer a multitude of public transport options. You will attract young working professionals who have more disposable income (without having the cost of a vehicle).
High-speed internet & office spaces
Working professionals are now adopting a more hybrid approach to working, with many working between an office location and their homes. Internet speeds are now of great importance, and for rental properties with poor connectivity, you may find that renters are dismissing your property for just this reason. Also, office spaces are now in high demand, with renters seeking additional rooms to transform them into primary working rooms. So, be sure to do what you can to improve your internet speeds. It may mean that your whole street needs new connection lines implemented. In the long term, you will find that more renters will be fighting over your property, especially if you can offer the space for home working.
Proximity to green spaces
Access to green areas is another demanded criterion that renters look for. Major cities like Manchester offer some of the smallest % of green spaces in the city centre, hence why renters flock to the surrounding suburban areas. Offering a property within a walkable or commutable distance to such spaces is extremely desirable for renters. Tenants are prioritising quality of life, whilst being near bustling towns and or city locations.
Pet friendly
Unfortunately for landlords, renters are seeking pet-friendly locations, so much so that they will dismiss properties that disallow pets, even if they currently don’t have one. With the financial constraints and barriers for renters to buy property to make their ‘homes’, their rental properties are now acting as their vessel. So, tenants may wish to plan for when they get a furry friend. You will, of course, open yourself up to more tenants by allowing pets, but be sure to choose wisely.
Bottom line
The rental market in 2025 is still at an all-time high, but landlords need to be strategic if they hope to attract the best tenants. This may mean making small adjustments, for example, allowing pets or refreshing the furnishings in your property. Or, it could involve big decision making, for example, selling a property from your portfolio that experiences voids, and leveraging this cash in more lucrative areas, for example, but to let property investments in Leeds. Don’t fall back with the lazy landlords, do what you can to stay competitive, and you’ll attract long-term, hands off tents for a reliable stream of income.
