As 2025 draws to a close, here’s how the market performed and what’s ahead. December is naturally quieter, but demand stays strong – the tenants moving now tend to be deadline-driven and after long-term security, exactly the kind of reliable occupants most landlords want.
November portfolio performance
| Metric | LettingaProperty (Nov 2025) | Market average |
|---|---|---|
| Time to let | 14 days | 25 days |
| Time to first viewing request | 57 hours | – |
| Referencing time | 7 days | – |
| Viewing requests per listing | 8 | – |
Even in the seasonal slowdown, managed properties let nearly twice as fast as the market average – which keeps void periods short and income consistent.
Year-end market context
Despite a slight year-on-year improvement in availability, rental stock remained around 23% below pre-pandemic levels while tenant demand stayed roughly 18% above historic norms. That imbalance continued to support stable rents through the quieter winter period. Source: Rightmove Rental Trends, Q3 2025.
When things go wrong: a possession case study
Most tenancies run smoothly, but experienced support matters when they don’t. One landlord’s tenant stopped paying after the fixed term ended, building £3,600 of arrears over three and a half months and refusing to engage. Our team guided him through the entire Section 8 process – serving notice, preparing court documentation and attending the hearing at Bromley County Court alongside him. The court awarded possession within 14 days, the full £3,600 in arrears, plus ongoing daily rent and costs.
“The presence of LettingaProperty.com was very reassuring. Natalie was able to recognise legal jargon I may not really understand. We are grateful for being there at a financially crippling time.” – Mr O., landlord, Bromley.
Looking ahead: the Renters’ Rights Act in 2026
As 2026 approaches, the compliance landscape is shifting, with the Act’s headline reforms commencing on 1 May 2026 in England:
- Section 21 “no-fault” evictions end, with the Section 8 grounds becoming the route to possession.
- Periodic tenancies become standard, calling for more proactive tenant communication.
- Awaab’s Law extends to the private sector, setting strict timelines for fixing damp and mould.
A note on territory: these changes apply to England. Wales has operated a similar model since the Renting Homes (Wales) Act came into force in December 2022, and Scotland ended no-fault evictions back in 2017 under the Private Residential Tenancy. See our full Renters’ Rights Act guide for what to do before each deadline.
Start 2026 compliant and optimised
Book a call to get your portfolio ready for the year ahead – or get a free instant valuation.
Book a call with an expert → Get an instant valuation
