How is the Northampton rental market? Better than you'd think!

19% More Homes to Rent This Year.

Throughout the UK, the percentage of homes available to rent have increased by 19%, according to statistic provided from DataLoft and sourced from Zoopla. How does this affect the Northampton rental market? Let's first breakdown their statistics:

• Rental supply is steadily improving, up by nearly a fifth year-on-year, giving renters more choice, though it remains below pre-pandemic levels.

  
  

• Rents have risen 35% since 2020, lifting landlord returns in recent years. This has drawn more investors back, with buy-to-let purchases up 60% year-on-year to Q1 2025.

  
  

• At the same time, easier access to mortgages is helping more first-time buyers, freeing up rental homes, while record sales listings could add further supply to the rental market.

  
  

• Despite the improvement in supply, competition remains intense, with 45% of agents reporting an average of 6–10 applicants per rental listing and a further 45% seeing more than 10. Source: Zoopla, 4 weeks to 2 September, Dataloft by PriceHubble (poll of subscribers), HomeLet

Void Periods Still Large in Northampton Rental Market

Despite this increase in choice, tenants, more than ever, are strict on what properties they would like to go after. As we frequently cover in our Northampton property market breakdown series, In Your Street, void periods still average on a staggering 20 days. This is nearly a whole month of lost income.

Don't let this scare you out of becoming a Landlord, however. With more choice than ever, and the Renters Reform giving tenants more power to find a place that suits them just right and to stay for longer. If you've not caught up on the changes incoming, you can find out more on our Northampton Renters Rights series linked here. For those looking for a quick breakdown.

Renters Rights 2025 Changes

• All tenancy agreements will be periodic - no more fixed terms

• All tenants are unable to be evicted (except under specific circumstances) until 12 months after the start of their tenancy

• Abolishment of Section 21s - you will no longer be able to serve a "no fault" eviction notice. Different forms of notice will need to be served, and only in circumstances which can be justified - i.e. a tenant consistently being behind on rent.

• Notice to vacate will be extended. Tenants will need to give 2 months, and landlords will need to give 4.

With stricter tenants also comes a desire for longer tenancies. In homes with good communities and amenities, tenants are staying longer and longer. This is great for people looking for long-term investment.

Of course, not all properties are built equal. You can't except a 1-bed to have as long a tenancy as a family home. And that's a key factor to take into consideration with your buy-to-let investments. Are you prepared for the long-term effort it takes to keep a large house up to standard? Or are you more the type to freshen up the property in a small home that's vacant more often. This is all subject to location, tenants and other factors, too. All properties are different and that's what makes them so interesting. But there are still plenty of options available to help you through frequent changeover in tenants, with many services offering void period support.

Northwood Northampton's Guaranteed Rent service helps cover void period utilities, rent & property management, which is great for frequent turnover or someone looking for hands-free passive income.

Guaranteed Rent in Northampton | Northwood Agents