Boosting Your Rental Yield: Proven Strategies for Landlords and Investors

Why Does Increasing Rental Yield Matter?

For landlords and property investors, increasing rental yield is one of the fastest ways to improve returns and protect profits. With rising costs and evolving market pressures in 2025, it's more important than ever to optimise the income your property generates.

Rental yield is the percentage of your property’s value that you earn in rent each year. It’s a simple but essential figure that helps you compare investment opportunities and assess long-term profitability.

If you need a refresher on the basics of rental yield and how it’s calculated, read our in-depth guide: Rental Yield Explained.

This blog is all about moving beyond the basics, giving you actionable steps to increase your yield, manage costs, and improve your bottom line.

Upgrading Your Property to Increase Rental Yield

First impressions matter — and so do functional upgrades. Improving your property can make it more attractive to tenants, justify higher rents, and reduce costly void periods.

Start with high-impact areas like kitchens and bathrooms. A modern kitchen can be a game-changer, and upgrading bathroom fittings gives your property an instant lift. Explore our kitchen design and bathroom design pages for inspiration.

Energy efficiency improvements are another smart choice. Upgrades such as insulation, efficient boilers, or double glazing not only lower your tenant’s bills but increase your rental value. Refer to our guide on EPC improvements for more ideas.

Adding functional spaces like home offices is increasingly popular, especially with the growth of remote working. Features like fast broadband, smart tech, and private outdoor space can further boost your property's appeal.

According to data from Zoopla and PropertyData, well-targeted improvements can increase achievable rents by up to 10%, especially in high-demand areas.

Smart Management of Rental Income

Managing your rental income is just as important as property upgrades. Small changes here can make a big difference.

First, price your rent competitively. Use tools like PropertyData and Zoopla to stay informed about local market rates, ensuring your pricing reflects current demand and property condition.

Review your rents annually, in line with inflation. This is a practice we follow ourselves at Roberts Renovations. It keeps your income aligned with market trends and protects your margins over time.

Avoid costly void periods by attracting reliable tenants and maintaining strong tenant relationships. Well-maintained properties and clear communication reduce turnover and help secure long-term renters.

Presentation is key. We always take our own photos and carefully stage our properties to showcase them in the best light. Think of this as your shop window — either take the time to learn and practice yourself, or work with professional photographers to ensure your property stands out in listings.

Furnishing your property, particularly in city centres or with student tenants, can make it stand out. Similarly, offering extras such as high-speed internet, parking, or storage can add value and justify higher rents.

Lastly, effective marketing is crucial. Use online platforms, professional photography, and strong descriptions to reach the widest audience.

Cutting Costs Without Cutting Corners

Increasing rental yield isn’t just about increasing rent — it’s also about smart cost management.

Preventative maintenance helps you avoid expensive emergency repairs. Staying ahead of issues keeps your property in top condition and your tenants happy.

Review your utility contracts, insurance policies, and property management fees regularly to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Savings here go straight to your bottom line.

Make sure you’re claiming all allowable expenses against your rental income. Use the guidance on the UK Government website to explore tax efficiencies and reduce liabilities.

Choosing the Right Property Type and Location

Not all properties perform equally when it comes to rental yield. In our experience, properties like HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation) and holiday lets often achieve higher yields than standard buy-to-lets. However, they come with additional costs and legislation to manage.

For HMOs, increased maintenance and regulatory compliance are factors to consider. For holiday lets, occupancy rates can be unpredictable, which directly impacts yield. We’ll explore these in more detail in an upcoming blog.

It’s also important to understand the balance between rental yield and capital appreciation. A property with a high yield might not necessarily see strong long-term value growth. Your total return on investment (ROI) is shaped by both. Before making a decision, consider your income targets and long-term capital growth ambitions.

Location matters too. Some of the highest-yielding areas in Yorkshire, based on PropertyData, include Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, and York. Explore our dedicated investment pages for each region:

• Leeds Property Investment

• Bradford Property Investment

• Wakefield Property Investment

• York Property Investment

Data from Zoopla’s rental yield guide and PropertyData consistently highlights these areas as strong performers.

FAQs About Increasing Rental Yield

What is the average rental yield in the UK?

Typically, rental yields range from 4–6% for standard buy-to-lets, but can exceed 8–10% for HMOs and holiday lets in the right location.

Does increasing rent every year help rental yield?

Yes. Reviewing rents annually in line with inflation ensures your income keeps pace with rising costs and market trends.

Are HMOs and holiday lets better for rental yield?

Generally, yes. HMOs and holiday lets can deliver higher yields, but they come with higher costs, increased management, and specific regulations.

Should I furnish my rental property?

It depends on your target tenant. In some markets, furnished properties command higher rents and attract quicker lets.

How can energy efficiency improvements boost yield?

An energy-efficient property lowers tenant bills and increases appeal, justifying higher rents and reducing void periods.

Final Thoughts on Maximising Rental Yield

Increasing rental yield is about balance. It’s a combination of smart property upgrades, careful tenant management, and controlling your costs effectively.

Whether you're focused on buy-to-lets, considering HMOs, or looking at holiday lets, there are always opportunities to improve returns. Remember, it's not just about increasing rent — it's about creating long-term value and stable cash flow.

If you’d like tailored advice, our team at Roberts Renovations is here to help. Get in touch to discuss your next move.