THE lettings market in general tends to receive less attention than the sales market.

Whilst renting a home was pretty much the norm up until about 1970, the Thatcher government’s commitment to making us a nation of homeowners started a reversal of this trend.

That, however, is a trend that’s starting to reverse once more.

Of course, the reasons for this are numerous and require detailed analysis to be fully understood, but one of the key factors influencing a return to renting is the cost of home ownership.

Here in Gloucestershire, the average price of a home has risen by 22 per cent since 2010, whilst average full-time earnings have only gone up by 18 per cent.

The fact that the proportion of households who privately rent here has gone up from 14.9 per cent to 16.9 per cent since 2010 is, therefore, easy to understand.

But what does the local rental market specifically look like?

What makes a popular rental property and who is likely to be the ‘typical’ tenant?

Despite the Government’s best efforts to reduce the overall size and buoyancy of the buy to let sector, the rental market here remains strong.

Prices have, however, started to level off compared to previous growth levels.

However, when you consider this alongside the fact that our typical renter is now increasingly one seeking to rent as a long-term way of life, the security of a sitting tenant can often offset less dramatic rental income increases.

If I had to identify a typical tenant here, it would be someone in full-time employment aged between 23 and 35.

They’re often people working locally and they’re keen to settle in two or three-bedroom properties, although the balance of choice between newer and more traditional properties is pretty even.

For anyone thinking about whether to become a landlord, once you’ve done your homework and decided whether the added levels of taxation could still make it worth your while, the positive news is that demand in the local area remains strong.

There are simply not enough good quality properties coming up for rent in the mid-market range of £650-900 pcm and so making such an investment could prove a worthwhile move.

For advice on the local rental market and the options for becoming a buy to let investor, why not pop in to your local Andrews branch or visit us online at andrewsonline.co.uk

Hallam Beveridge, Andrews Lettings, Stroud