UK Rental & Sales Market in the Next 6 Months – What Kent Landlords Should Expect

The UK property market has entered a phase of modest growth and cautious optimism — and as a Kent landlord, it’s vital to understand what’s happening now and what’s likely ahead. In the next 6 months, both rental and sales markets will face headwinds and opportunities. At HomeKey Residential, we’re here to help you navigate the changes so your portfolio remains profitable and low-stress.

What’s happening now in the market

• Recent data shows that average rents for new lets across the UK rose by only ~2.4 % year-on-year in mid-2025 — the slowest rate of rental inflation for several years.

• On the sales side, mainstream house price growth is forecast for about 1 % in 2025, down sharply from earlier forecasts.

• Supply and demand dynamics are shifting: more homes are available to rent, and buyer enquiries remain weaker in many areas.

What this means for Kent landlords in the next 6 months

• Rental yields & rate of growth may flatten: With rent growth slowing and more supply entering the market, you may find less room for aggressive rent increases. That doesn’t mean no income growth — it just means it could be more modest.

• Sales market influences your exit/portfolio strategy: If you’re considering selling a property or switching strategies, the muted growth in house prices means now may not deliver the same upside as previous years. Setting realistic expectations is key.

• Maintenance and tenant-care stand out: In a flatter growth environment, your property’s performance matters more. Well-maintained homes, reliable tenants, and responsive management will preserve value and reduce voids.

• Regional effects matter: The South East (including Kent) often sees different dynamics than the UK average — affordability pressures might be higher, and growth slower. So local knowledge is a strength.

Our action plan for landlords

To stay ahead in the next six months, here are actionable steps:

• Review your rent levels now. Are they aligned with local comparables, demand levels and supply?

• Ensure your property is in good repair and compliant with all legislative/regulation changes. A standout home will attract quality tenants quicker.

• Consider offering longer leases or flexible options to good tenants — in a shallower growth environment, tenant retention becomes more valuable than chasing higher rent every year.

• Keep an eye on your exit strategy. If you’re planning to sell, talk to a local expert about realistic timing and values in your immediate area (Kent homes may differ from national averages).

• Use a full-service property manager. With markets less forgiving of missteps, having someone local who monitors changes, handles maintenance and keeps tenants engaged is a big plus.

While the property market ahead may not have the exotic growth of recent years, it presents steady and manageable opportunities — especially for those landlords who are proactive, localised and service-oriented. At HomeKey Residential, we’re committed to helping Kent landlords work smarter: getting the most income, minimising stress, and staying ahead of changes. If you’d like a personalised review of your property’s position in this evolving market, we’d be happy to help.