The property rental market in Hull is booming – and while that’s great news for landlords, it’s throwing up some real challenges for prospective tenants.
Demand is outstripping supply at an unprecedented rate – and rental properties in popular areas of the region are moving within days of being listed. In early April, we had more than 40 applicants for the same three bedroom property in Anlaby!
With the market so competitive, tenants need to be prepared if they’re going to secure the right property. Here are our top tips to help you maximise your chances of finding your dream rental property in Hull.
1. Register with lettings agencies
Browsing rental properties online might be sufficient when there’s lots of stock available – but when things get competitive, many properties will be let before they’re even listed online!
Ensure you’re always at the front of the queue by registering with a selection of reputable lettings agencies (including CJ Property of course!). Make sure they know the kind of properties you’re interested in, and sign up for the mailing lists – so you’re always the first to know when properties come onto the market.
2. Keep in touch
In times like these, it’s important to be proactive. Lettings agencies will be inundated with enquiries, and it’s easy to get lost in the pack.
Contact the lettings agents regularly by phone or email to ensure they keep you in mind when the right property does come up. Calling regularly will also ensure you’re kept up to date with any properties that may be coming onto the market soon.
3. Have a clear move in date
Knowing when you want to move, and being prepared to do so is really valuable. It shows landlords and agents that you’re serious about a move, and ready to go when a property does come up.
This enables the landlord to plan effectively makes you an attractive prospect for landlords and lettings agents who want to minimise empty periods.
4. Commit if you can
Most landlords are looking for long term tenants. Changing tenants regularly is a costly and time consuming process, which is why they tend to prefer people who are looking to stay in the property for a year or more.
If you’re willing to commit to a longer tenancy (more than 6 months), you’ll be a much more attractive proposition than tenants looking for a short term rental.
5. The value of flexibility
A little flexibility can go a long way. Being prepared to take the right rental early will help to ensure you don’t miss out. If you’re ready to go and prepared to take on a property at short notice, or with a couple of weeks overlap on your current tenancy, you’ll be in a really strong position when the right house or flat does come up.
Obviously this can cause cashflow issues, and may end up costing you extra in rent – but in challenging times this can be the difference between getting the right property and missing out.
6. Open up your search
Before you start searching, know exactly what you are and are not willing to compromise on in terms of:
- Location
- Bedrooms
- Outside space
- Price
- Type of property
The more open your search, the higher the number of properties you will have to choose from, and the better chance you have of finding something suitable. Tiny changes to your criteria can make a big difference to the properties available.
Looking after tenants at CJ Property
At CJ Property, we specialise in helping responsible tenants to find the right, high quality, well maintained rental property across Hull and East Yorkshire.
Find your new rental home – register with CJ Property, or call us on 01482 645270 to discuss your requirements with our team today.
