Guide to Letting Property

Maximising Your Return as a Landlord

A Step-by-Step Guide by Landlords, for Landlords

The number one goal of any landlord is simple: to make money. Whether you’ve invested in property for long-term financial freedom, to supplement your income, or to build a better life for your family, getting the best return matters.

At NGU Homes, our core focus is to do exactly that. With 150 properties in our own portfolio and over 700 under management, we’ve spent the last 15 years learning how to maximise returns, reduce stress, and build lasting wealth through property.

1. Choose the Right Agent

If you want to enjoy the rewards of property investment without the hassle, your choice of letting agent is critical.

A good agent will:

• Treat your property as their own
• Know how to minimise voids and arrears
• Be up to date with landlord legislation
• Have strong local knowledge
• Market your property effectively across all major platforms

At NGU, our landlords trust us because we think like investors and act like owners.

2. Get an Accurate Rental Valuation

Setting the right rent is key:

• Too high = longer voids
• Too low = lost income

An expert local valuation will help you attract multiple applicants quickly - giving you choice and control over who you let to.

3. Choose Your Level of Service

Lettings is not one-size-fits-all. At NGU, we offer two levels of service:

• Tenant Find Only
  • We market your property, vet applicants thoroughly, and handle the move-in
• Fully Managed
  • Includes all of the above, plus:
    • Dedicated property manager
    • Rent collection
    • 24/7 maintenance handling
    • Regular inspections
    • Annual rent reviews
    • Full legal compliance

Choose based on how hands-on or hands-off you want to be — we’ll support you either way.

4. Get the Property Ready to Let

Presentation is everything. A well-prepared property lets faster and attracts better tenants.

We recommend:

• Thorough cleaning and decluttering
• Neutral, well-maintained décor
• Ensuring compliance:
  • Gas Safety Certificate
  • EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)
  • EPC
  • Smoke & CO alarms

Need help? Our in-house refurbishment team and 30+ trusted tradespeople are ready to assist.

5. Market the Property Effectively

A strong marketing campaign should include:

• Listings on all major portals (Rightmove, etc.)
• Social media promotion
• Direct email to an active tenant database

At NGU, we launch every property to our 5,000+ registered tenants on Day 1 — giving your property immediate exposure.

6. Host Block Viewings for Faster Letting

We recommend block viewings as the most effective method to let your property quickly:

• Saves time — all viewings in one day
• Creates competition — increasing urgency
• Enables you to cherry-pick the best applicant

This approach consistently results in quicker lets and longer-term tenants.

7. Vet Tenants Thoroughly

Vetting is vital to protect your property and income. We conduct:

• Credit checks
• Employer and landlord references
• In some cases, home visits

The right tenant reduces maintenance issues, arrears, and turnover.

8. Move-In Day

Once your tenant passes referencing, they’ll:

• Pay the deposit and first month’s rent
• Sign the tenancy agreement
• Review and sign the inventory
• Collect the keys

From here, we continue to manage the property (if Fully Managed), ensuring compliance and tenant satisfaction - while you enjoy the returns.

Let’s Maximise Your Return Together

Whether you’re new to lettings or building a growing portfolio, NGU Homes is here to help you succeed. With real landlord experience, professional management, and a results-driven approach, we make your investment work harder.

Get in touch today to speak to one of our property experts and see how we can help you earn more from your property.