Get a Valuation
    Register/Login/Report a Maintenance Issue
    LogoLogo

    Our Branches

    Barming – 01622 720000
    Bearsted – 01622 730020
    Headcorn – 01622 890089
    Larkfield – 01732 875706

    Maidstone – 01622 691255
    Snodland – 01634 240966
    West Malling – 01732 844111
    Period Homes Malling – 01732 844111

    Period Homes Weald – 01622 850888
    Lettings & Management – 01732 875777
    New Homes – 01732 221411

    Book a Valuation

    If you would like a no obligation, professional valuation on your property, please complete our valuation form and one of our appraisal team will be in touch to book an appointment.

    Book my Valuation

    Home/News/Should your next property investment be new?

    Should your next property investment be new?

    over 3 years ago
    Lettings
    Should your next property investment be new?

    Are you one of the 34% of landlords looking to expand their property portfolio in 2022? The statistic from Nationwide suggests confidence is building in the buy-to-let sector, with a third of investors looking to acquire additional properties this year.

    When it comes to the type of properties that deliver the best rental returns, additional research has revealed the newer the property, the better the yield can be. In fact, rental market data analysed by Unlatch in March 2022 revealed new build homes can achieve rental premiums as high as 41% in the current market. 

    As well as tenants who are willing to pay a premium to rent a newer property, more modern buy-to-lets give landlords multiple advantages. The homes don’t even have to be fresh from the housebuilder either – resale houses and flats that have been built in the last few years also bring with them benefits, as we explain.

    Something that has moved to the top of both a tenant’s and landlord’s agenda is energy efficiency and this is where newer properties excel. While renters will look for homes that are cheaper to heat and power, as a result of rising fuel bills, landlords should have increasingly strict Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in mind. 

    The Government would like all new and renewing tenancies from 2025 (and all existing tenancies from 2028) to have an EPC of at least a C, rising to a minimum of B from 2030.

    While many period and 20th century properties would struggle to meet these tougher standards without costly and disruptive eco improvements, newer homes are built to stringent energy efficiency standards which result in excellent EPC ratings from the start.

    As well as offering tenants cheaper energy bills, an eco-efficient new home can present landlords with savings at the very start of their property investment journey. Some banks and building societies are offering so-called ‘green’ mortgages’ to those whose property purchase meets pre-set minimum energy efficiency levels.

    If the promise of lower interest rates, cashback and larger loans isn’t enough, homes built recently can also reduce a landlord’s maintenance bill. Aspects such as the electrics, central heating, plumbing and drainage should need little to no repair or replacement for many years, while the structure of homes built in the last 10 years may still be covered by a building warranty. Add in all-new kitchens, bathrooms and appliances, and the foundations are laid for a low-maintenance let.

    Other perks of newer homes pertain to speed of let. Unlike older properties that may need work before they’re fit for habitation, a new home can present the ‘turn key ready’ proposition that reduces void periods and can command a premium rent among tenants. And if a housebuilder is offering a furniture pack as part of the deal, landlords can extend the appeal of their rental to professional relocators, students and overseas tenants.

    Whether you’re attracted to buying off plan in the hope of some capital appreciation during the construction phase, tempted by a housebuilder offering to pay your 3% additional property stamp duty bill, or you’re tracking the rents achieved at a recently built development, maybe your next investment should be more modern. Ask us for a list of newer homes for sale that may make good property investments.

    Share this article

    More Articles

    More than half of under 34s hope to become a landlord

    More than half of under 34s hope to become a landlord

    Published 9 days ago

    Younger Millennials (born between 1991 and 1996) and those in Generation Z (1997-2012) still see a future in property investment. That was the surprising finding of a new survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted by Opinium on behalf of Market Financial Solutions.

    Read More
    A tenant’s guide to the Renters’ Rights Bill

    A tenant’s guide to the Renters’ Rights Bill

    Published about 1 month ago

    The Renters’ Rights Bill has taken another step towards becoming law. With no major amendments expected, it’s now that tenants should take notice of the Bill’s contents.

    Read More
    Garden etiquette for tenants this summer

    Garden etiquette for tenants this summer

    Published 2 months ago

    When you become a renter, you’re expected to behave in a ‘tenant like manner’ and that extends to outside spaces as much as inside the home. If in any doubt as to what that means, you can refer to your tenancy agreement. It should list the specific garden jobs you’re responsible for, and what your landlord should maintain. If there’s scant detail, contact us and we can obtain written clarification for you.

    Read More

    Sign up for our newsletter

    Subscribe to receive the latest property market information to your inbox, full of market knowledge and tips for your home.

    You may unsubscribe at any time. See our Privacy Policy.

    Back to Home

    Our branches 

    Barming
    Bearsted
    Headcorn
    Larkfield

      

    Maidstone
    Snodland
    West Malling
    Lettings & Management

    Period Homes Malling
    Period Homes Weald
    New Homes

    OnTheMarket
    RightMove
    SafeAgent
    ThePropertyOmbudsman
    Logo
    Logo
    Logo
    Logo
    © 2025 Simon Miller. Registered Address: 11 Colman Parade, Colman House, King Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1DJ
    Privacy Policy|Terms & Conditions|Cookie Policy|Complaints Procedure|Landlord Fees|CMP Certificate
    Powered by