From young professionals and international students to families and employees relocating to Reading, demand for good-quality rental property remains strong. But what makes a successful rental, and how can landlords make the most of the opportunities?
Reading’s diverse economy, excellent education options, transport links and proximity to London continue to attract people seeking quality rental accommodation.
At Haslams, we’re seeing this demand first-hand. Between April and June 2026, our lettings team registered 1,475 applicants, received nearly 5,000 enquiries, conducted 1,322 viewings and agreed 189 lets.
Understanding what renters want
Different properties appeal to different groups of tenants. Town centre apartments are particularly attractive to young professionals, couples, international workers and contractors looking for convenient, low-maintenance accommodation close to Reading’s employment centres, restaurants and transport links.
Family homes across and nearby Reading, meanwhile, appeal to tenants looking for more space, good local amenities and convenient access to schools and transport. Understanding these audiences helps determine how a property should be marketed, what rent it could achieve and which tenants are likely to be the best fit.
What could your property achieve?
For existing landlords, regular advice on rental values and tenant demand can help protect rental income and minimise void periods. For those considering their first investment – or homeowners wondering whether to retain their property and rent it out rather than sell – a professional rental valuation is a useful place to start.
Recent Haslams Price Index data illustrates the potential, with gross yields of 8.06% for a two-bedroom apartment in Shinfield, 6.71% for a three-bedroom central Reading home and 5.74% for a two-bedroom house in West Reading. These are examples rather than guarantees, with actual returns depending on factors including purchase price, rental income and costs.
Navigating the recent Renters’ Rights Act changes
The Renters’ Rights Act, which came into effect in May 2026, has brought significant changes to private renting, including the end of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and the move towards rolling assured periodic tenancies. For some landlords, these changes have raised concerns that letting a property could become more complicated, time-consuming and potentially less attractive as an investment. However, the increased responsibilities don’t have to mean increased pressure.
With the right professional support, much of the administrative and compliance burden can be managed on your behalf. At Haslams, our lettings and property management teams keep up to date with legislative changes, helping landlords understand their responsibilities and ensuring the correct processes are followed.
Professional management can make all the difference
Letting a property involves much more than finding a tenant. Maintenance, inspections, rent collection, renewals, compliance and day-to-day communication can all take time – particularly for HMO landlords, where multiple tenants and individual rooms can create additional management demands.
Our experienced property managers specialise in managing HMO properties, alongside apartments, houses and wider rental portfolios. Our fully managed service is designed to take the day-to-day pressure away from landlords while ensuring tenants receive the support they need.
As Reading’s No.1 Estate Agent for Lettings (Rightmove data, January–December 2025), Haslams combines local knowledge with a thorough understanding of today’s rental market.
Whether you’re an experienced landlord, considering your first investment, exploring the potential of letting your existing home or looking for professional HMO management, we can help you understand what your property could achieve and how best to manage it.
Contact Haslams for a free, no-obligation rental valuation on 0118 960 1055 or email lettings@haslams.net