3 minute read
Is Your Property Investment Still Performing?

If you’re a landlord in Luton right now, you’ve probably felt the market shift. Higher costs, changing tenant demand, interest rate adjustments and evolving regulations have made many landlords quietly ask the same question:

Is my property still working for me?

This is exactly the conversation I’ve been having with a lot of landlords lately - especially those who bought years ago and haven’t reviewed performance in a while. So today, I want to walk you through the clear signs your investment may need attention, what to do next, and when it may be time to consider a strategic exit.

My goal is simple: help you make informed, confident decisions whether you hold, improve or sell.

1. Start With the Numbers: Is Your Rental Return Slipping?

Many landlords set their rent years ago and have never revisited it. Meanwhile, Luton rents have moved significantly, and energy efficiency standards continue tightening.

Here are the most common red flags I see:

• Your rent is below the current local market range.

• Maintenance and compliance costs have increased but your rental income hasn’t.

• Your net profit is reducing year-on-year.

• Void periods are becoming more frequent.

A quick performance review often reveals that a property isn’t underperforming — it’s simply under-managed or overdue a pricing update.

2. Property Condition: Is It Affecting Your Tenant Quality or Rent?

A tired property attracts tired results.

If your property hasn’t had a refresh in several years, you may notice:

• Lower-quality enquiries

• Longer time on the market

• Tenants who don’t stay long

• Renters choosing newer stock over yours

Even simple improvements - flooring, paint, kitchen touch-ups - can move an investment from “average” to “fully optimised.” We see this every week when refurbishing units for landlords.

3. Have the Regulations Shifted Around You?

Keeping up with compliance can feel never-ending, but it’s a non-negotiable part of staying profitable.

Ask yourself:

• Is the property EPC-ready for upcoming regulations?

• Are you meeting the latest electrical and safety standards?

• Do you have all required documentation in place?

We’ve helped many landlords avoid penalties and unnecessary stress simply by carrying out a compliance MOT and tightening up the gaps.

4. When It Might Be Time to Consider Selling

Selling isn’t a failure - it’s strategy.

It might be the right move if:

• Your property no longer delivers the return you need.

• Major works are coming up that don’t make sense financially.

• Your long-term goals have changed.

• You want to release equity for a different investment or personal plans.

We support landlords through both paths - holding and improving, or exiting smoothly - because every investor’s journey is different.

If You’re Unsure Which Route Is Best, Here’s What I Recommend

Book a full performance review. We’ll look at:

• Your current rent vs market rent

• Your true rental yield

• Your maintenance and running costs

• Potential uplift from a refresh

• The property’s sale potential if you did decide to exit

By the time we’re done, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether your property is still performing - and exactly what steps will move you forward.

Ready to find out where you stand?

Get a FREE Valuation

Book a CALL with me

If you want to run your situation past me, let’s jump on a quick call. Nothing heavy - just a straightforward chat so I can point you in the right direction. Book a time that works for you.

If there’s anything specific you’d like advice on, feel free to ask. I’m here to help landlords make confident decisions - whether you stay, scale or sell.

Venessa Afonja

Director, VA Sales & Lettings