Which Style of House is Best to Rent Out in the UK?
1. Apartments
✅ Pros:
- High Demand – Especially in city centres like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, apartments attract young professionals and students.
- Lower Maintenance Costs – With no garden and usually smaller interiors, upkeep is easier compared to houses.
- Affordable Investment – Generally cheaper to purchase than houses, making them accessible to first-time landlords.
- Service Charges Cover Some Maintenance – Leasehold properties often include maintenance for communal areas.
❌ Cons:
- Leasehold Restrictions – Some leases limit the ability to rent out the property or impose extra charges.
- Limited Tenant Demographic – Primarily suited for young professionals, students, and couples, but less ideal for families.
- Service Charges – While these cover maintenance, they eat into rental profits.
Best for: City landlords looking for consistent rental demand and lower maintenance responsibilities.
2. Terraced Houses
✅ Pros:
- Good Rental Yield – Typically more affordable than detached or semi-detached homes but can still command strong rental income.
- High Demand in Urban Areas – Popular with young families and professionals who want more space than an apartment.
- Lower Maintenance Costs Than Larger Houses – Fewer external walls mean less upkeep.
❌ Cons:
- Noise Issues – Shared walls can lead to noise complaints, potentially affecting tenant satisfaction.
- Limited Outdoor Space – Often smaller gardens, which can be a downside for tenants with children or pets.
Best for: Investors targeting young families and professionals in towns and cities.
3. Semi-Detached Houses
✅ Pros:
- Wider Tenant Appeal – Suitable for families, professionals, and even small groups of sharers.
- Better Space and Privacy – More appealing than terraced houses while still being more affordable than detached homes.
- Higher Rental Income – Typically rents for more than a terraced house or apartment.
❌ Cons:
- Higher Maintenance Costs – Gardens, driveways, and larger interiors require more upkeep.
- Higher Purchase Cost – More expensive than terraced houses and apartments, which means a larger upfront investment.
Best for: Landlords looking for long-term tenants, such as families and professionals.
4. Bungalows
✅ Pros:
- Appeals to Elderly Tenants and Retirees – Many older tenants prefer single-storey homes for accessibility.
- Less Wear and Tear – Older tenants and small households typically cause less damage.
- Good for Long-Term Lettings – Tenants often stay for years, reducing void periods.
❌ Cons:
- Lower Tenant Pool – Fewer tenants actively searching for bungalows compared to other property types.
- Higher Purchase Price – Bungalows tend to be more expensive than terraced or semi-detached houses.
- Limited Supply – They are less common, making it harder to find a good investment property.
Best for: Landlords targeting elderly tenants or those looking for long-term stability.
5. Detached Houses
✅ Pros:
- Premium Rental Market – Can command high rents, especially in desirable areas.
- More Privacy – Attractive to high-earning professionals and families.
- Less Tenant Turnover – Tenants in larger homes tend to stay longer.
❌ Cons:
- High Maintenance Costs – Larger properties require more upkeep.
- Expensive to Buy – High initial investment compared to other property types.
- Potentially Longer Void Periods – Fewer tenants can afford high-end rentals, increasing the risk of vacancies.
Best for: High-end rental markets or areas with strong demand from professionals and executives.
Conclusion: Which is Best?
The best property type depends on your budget, location, and target tenants.
- Apartments – Best for city landlords and young professional tenants.
- Terraced Houses – Great for urban family rentals with solid yields.
- Semi-Detached Houses – Ideal for long-term tenants and families.
- Bungalows – Perfect for older tenants and long-term lets.
- Detached Houses – Best for high-income professionals and executive lettings.
For most landlords, semi-detached and terraced houses strike the best balance between affordability, demand, and rental yield. However, apartments can be the best choice in major cities due to high demand. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your investment goals and the local rental market conditions. Still unsure? Give us a call and lets help find you the perfect house for your landlord journey.
0121 681 6327

Which Style of House is Best to Rent Out in the UK?
Tags: homebuyer, estate agent, Birmingham, Harborne, letting agent, homeowner, buying home, selling home, West midlands
SEARCH BLOG
Categories
ARCHIVE