What tenants really value in London rental properties

Rents in London are the highest in the UK, and therefore, it is no surprise that tenants in the capital have certain expectations from their landlords when it comes to choosing a rental property. While adhering to safety guidelines and meeting all compliance requirements is a essential, landlords who go a step further to improve their tenants’ experience usually stand out in a competitive lettings market.

What features are tenants looking for in a London property?

Most Londoners have busy schedules and appreciate professionally managed properties that require minimal input in terms of setup costs and logistics, such as paying separate utility bills or buying furniture for short-term use.

Fully managed rental properties

A complete management service takes care of all administrative tasks, including the timely payment of utility bills and council tax, and the fulfilment of licensing requirements across different councils. For most corporate tenancies involving letting to high-quality overseas professionals, a managed property is usually required.

Led by a competent team of experienced property managers, Benham and Reeves offers a one-stop management service that makes renting convenient for both landlords and their tenants.

Flexibility with furnishing needs

Over half of London’s rental properties are furnished, with more than a quarter being furnished partly or semi-furnished. Tenants may agree to pay more for amenities such as mattresses and sofas, trendy decor, open layouts, and modern equipment. If landlords want to rent to working professionals and students who are moving to London for a fixed term, offering furnished flats can help justify higher rents.

However, coordinating the entire buying and installation process for design-led furniture packs can be challenging for landlords, especially if they live overseas. To make the process easier, we also offer complete furniture packs through our furnishing partner, InStyle Direct, starting at just £3,395 + VAT. Our refurbishment and interior design services help achieve higher yields and quicker tenancies.

Work from home setups

With hybrid working or work-from-home becoming common practice, many professionals would like a workstation in their rental apartment.

A relatively low-cost investment is installing a work desk near a window or in a quiet corner of the house, with a comfortable office chair, fast broadband, and thoughtful lighting.

Create inviting outdoor spaces

Most tenant surveys in London reveal that properties with outdoor space, such as terraces, winter gardens, or balconies, are prioritised. Enhancing the kerb appeal of these spaces by adding some outdoor furniture and low-maintenance plants can help create a cherished space. A professional lettings and management company can take care of these small but important details that can help you make better returns from your rental property.

Extra bathroom for added convenience

If a large family or multiple sharers are renting, converting unused or extra space into an additional bathroom can deliver better returns in the long term. The added comfort and privacy can give your property an edge or even compensate for constraints such as size, layout or views. We can also help you with full home renovations as we have a professional network of qualified and trustworthy contractors.

Innovative storage solutions

While families usually have more personal belongings, even students and professionals seek storage for their academic work and corporate wardrobe. Optimising space by adding built-in wardrobes or under-bed storage, wall-mounted shelves, integrated laundry boards, and fold-away tables and chairs can help tenants live clutter-free and make a home look more organised.

Smart appliances that save electricity

For modern, tech-savvy corporate tenants who also prioritise energy efficiency and sustainable living, features such as upgraded thermostats, app-controlled appliances, double- or triple-glazed windows, and tech integrations like keyless or video entry systems are always welcome.

Improving returns for landlords

While investing in the right things may seem like an upfront cost at first, they help strike the right chords when seeking well-paying tenants. Value for money is something most tenants consider, and if your property offers features that many others do not, the chances of achieving better rents and renting quickly increase.

With 21 local branches across London and several other offices and country desks globally, Benham and Reeves also has a legacy of over 65 years in property lettings and management. We help landlords and property owners with end-to-end services that help maximise rental returns and long-term ROI.

Looking to upgrade your buy-to-let in London? Contact us