How To Find Rent To Rent Properties

Where to Find Rent To Rent Properties

There are several platforms and methods that you can use to find suitable rent to rent properties in the UK. 

Searching Online Property Portals

You can find rent-to-rent properties on well-known property portals like Zoopla, Rightmove and OpenRent, and even HMO portals such as SpareRoom. I would always recommend having a look here first for rental properties in your chosen area to get an idea of how much the average rental value for the area is, where the most sought-after places are, and to gauge the local rental market. Even if you don’t find your ideal rent-to-rent property here, doing this research will help you in the future.

Looking at Dedicated R2R Portals

There are several websites that are especially for property investors like yourself who are looking specifically for R2R properties. They can link potential investors with property owners and landlords who are looking for a ‘hands-off’ opportunity to rent to someone who will handle all the responsibilities of tenants, while still making some money from their property. Websites like Property Data, Tenant Market and Property Deals Insight offer property listings for rent-to-rent opportunities, although you do have to sign up and pay to access these services.

Working With a Property Sourcer

You could work directly with a property sourcer who will find rent-to-rent property investment opportunities for you. Again, you can find property sourcers online through portals like PropSourcer and others. This will save you time, but the property sourcer will need to be paid too, so think about whether this fits into your budget. This is a good option for beginner property investors who have the funds to work with a property sourcer.

Networking with Other Property Professionals

Networking with lettings agents, landlords, other investors and professionals in real estate can get you insider knowledge and rent-to-rent deals that might not be widely known or advertised online. Take the time to attend local networking events, join property investment forums and online groups, and reach out to other experts to build a powerful network of contacts within the property industry.

Contacting Letting Agencies, Landlords and Local Authorities

You can always reach out to property owners, letting agents or landlords directly and offer to work with them. Some won’t be interested, but the worst they can do is say no – just taking a little time to reach out with an email or phone call can be worth it. I would recommend contacting small, local letting agencies rather than the heavy hitters like chains or franchises, as they are often more flexible and amenable to rent-to-rent opportunities. 

Reaching out to landlords directly, especially owners of HMOs, can be effective, especially if you pitch it as offering them a service – they can sit back and do nothing while you handle all the work that goes into managing a rental property. 

Likewise, local authorities often own properties that need someone to manage tenants and property maintenance, or they may have a local landlord register, especially for HMOs that are required to be registered with the local council.

Important Considerations for Rent to Rent Properties

While rent-to-rent can be a very lucrative investment strategy for property investors, it’s important to bear in mind the following potential pitfalls.

• Make sure the landlord agrees to the R2R terms. You should have a written agreement in place that states the terms of the rental contract, and that they are aware of and consent to you renting the property out to a third party. 
• Consider who is responsible for maintaining the property when drawing up your agreement with the landlord. This can be a complex area, so I would advise contacting a legal professional who specialises in property investment to help you.
• Do your due diligence when looking for rent to rent properties – check the property’s condition thoroughly for any repairs or maintenance needed, find out what the average rental value is for similar properties in the area to get an idea of how much profit you can make, and look into the local authority’s rules on HMOs and short-term lets where applicable.
• Before investing in rent to rent property, make a detailed financial plan that also includes an exit strategy.
• Set aside money for emergency repairs or void periods so you are prepared to cover any unexpected costs.

Rent to rent property can be a great way to get started as a property investor, especially when you follow the tips above. As always, be sure to create a financial plan with the help of an accountant or financial expert if needed, and do thorough research on potential properties and the local rental market before investing. 

Assets For Life offers CPD-certified rent to rent courses as well as other property investment events and bootcamps – find out more or get your FREE ticket here.