The festive season often provides landlords and property investors with a moment to step back, assess the year just gone, and reset for the one ahead. In Leamington Spa, where rental demand is closely linked to academic calendars and professional mobility, January can offer an early glimpse of the trends shaping the next 12 months.
At Martin & Co Leamington Spa, we work with a wide range of landlords – from single-property investors to multi-property portfolio owners. As 2026 begins, we’re sharing insights into the rental market outlook for the year ahead, with a focus on leamington spa rental demand 2026, sector-specific strategies, and tips to strengthen your portfolio performance.
2025 in review: what shaped the rental market in Leamington Spa?
To forecast the year ahead, it helps to look back.
Rental demand in Leamington Spa held steady in 2025, with average rents increasing marginally by 3.2% according to data from Zoopla. Rightmove’s Rental Price Tracker showed the South Midlands outperforming national growth in Q3, driven largely by rising interest in towns with strong commuter links and quality of life.
Tenant profiles shifted slightly, with greater demand from young professionals working remotely or commuting part-time to Birmingham, Coventry and London. Meanwhile, the student market remained resilient, supported by Warwick University’s continued growth and stable international intake.
Void periods stayed low, particularly for properties in South Leamington and central town areas with strong transport links and modern amenities. Energy performance and broadband speed became bigger priorities for tenants, especially in shared homes and HMOs.
What to expect in 2026: leamington spa rental demand outlook
As we move into 2026, early indicators suggest strong and consistent leamington spa rental demand. The market is being shaped by a few key forces:
- Warwick University’s growth trajectory continues, with student numbers expected to rise beyond 30,000 in 2026
- Hybrid working patterns are encouraging more professionals to choose lifestyle towns like Leamington over cities
- Supply remains tight, with new rental stock limited and ongoing regulatory pressures reducing the number of casual landlords
- Affordability constraints in nearby cities are pushing demand into Leamington and surrounding villages
According to Rightmove, the start of each year sees a predictable spike in tenant enquiries. For 2026, this is likely to be amplified by post-election confidence and better-than-expected interest rate forecasts.
Expect rising demand in:
- 1 and 2-bedroom flats in central Leamington for professionals
- 3 to 4-bedroom shared houses near Warwick University for students
- Energy-efficient properties that meet EPC C or above standards
The big takeaway? Properties that are well-located, well-presented and well-managed will continue to let quickly – often within days.
Student lettings outlook: Warwick and Leamington Spa
For landlords targeting students, 2026 looks broadly positive. Warwick University continues to rank highly for domestic and international applications, and local housing remains essential given the campus’s size and reach.
Key trends in the student lettings outlook for Warwick:
- Higher demand for 3 and 4-bed HMOs in South Leamington and Sydenham
- Tenancy lengths are increasing, with more students staying in properties for two or more years
- International students seeking premium en-suite rooms or bills-included packages
- Strong early letting activity: many students for the 2026–27 year will begin searching from February onwards
For landlords with existing student stock, now is the time to assess your property against competitor listings. High-speed broadband, modern furnishings, and inclusive utility options remain top priorities.
If you are considering entering the student market, we recommend targeting properties near Parade, Brunswick Street, or within easy bus routes to campus. These locations continue to offer excellent yield potential and low void risk.
Professional tenant demand: why it’s rising in Leamington Spa
The professional tenant demand in Leamington has grown steadily over the past few years and shows no signs of slowing in 2026. The town’s strong local economy, combined with easy rail links to London Marylebone, Birmingham and Coventry, makes it a top choice for working tenants.
Sectors driving demand include:
- Automotive and engineering (Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin)
- Tech and digital (regional startups and remote workers)
- NHS and public sector roles (particularly from nearby Warwick Hospital)
Professional tenants are often looking for:
- Well-presented 1 and 2-bed flats close to transport
- Parking or EV charging capabilities
- Energy-efficient homes with low running costs
- Properties with good storage and workspace potential
This demographic often values flexibility and location above size, meaning landlords with compact, modern flats in central areas could see strong performance in 2026.
Buy-to-let strategy 2026: planning with purpose
Forecasting buy-to-let strategy 2026 involves more than just picking the right property. With regulatory changes, tenant expectations and economic headwinds to consider, landlords must take a more structured approach to portfolio planning.
Here are key areas to focus on:
- Review your current returns
Look at yield, voids, and maintenance costs over the last 12 months. Is your property underperforming? Could reconfiguration or improved management increase profitability? - Upgrade for EPC compliance
Properties rated below EPC C may struggle to let or attract fines under upcoming legislation. Consider insulation, efficient boilers or even smart heating systems to stay ahead. - Refinance with rising rates in mind
Review your mortgage terms. With interest rates expected to remain stable or fall slightly in 2026, remortgaging could release capital or improve monthly margins. - Think tenant-first
Today’s renters value more than location. Prioritise upgrades like modern kitchens, strong Wi-Fi, outdoor space or bike storage to attract and retain quality tenants. - Consider switching tenant type
Some landlords may find better returns by shifting focus from student to professional lets or vice versa. Talk to a local agent about what’s working best in your area. - Seek local insight before expanding
If you’re looking to grow your portfolio, local knowledge is essential. Martin & Co can help identify off-market opportunities and upcoming investment hotspots.
Post-Christmas checklist: actions for landlords in early 2026
The early weeks of the year are often the best time to review and act. Here’s what we recommend doing now:
- Prepare for student lettings season
List your property early, ensure photos are updated, and check compliance documentation is in place. - Audit your portfolio
Are rents in line with market rates? Is tenant satisfaction high? Are any voids likely in Q1 or Q2? - Book an EPC assessment
If your property hasn’t been rated in the last 5 years or is below C, get an assessment and plan improvements now. - Refresh your marketing
Ensure your listings reflect what tenants are searching for: fast broadband, energy efficiency, smart features. - Get ahead on maintenance
Small upgrades now can prevent costly issues later. Prioritise heating, insulation and external repairs. - Speak to a lettings expert
A 20-minute call could unlock thousands in potential gains. Whether you need a revaluation or strategy update, we’re here to help.
How Martin & Co Leamington Spa supports landlords
At Martin & Co Leamington Spa, we combine national market data with local insight to help landlords get more from their investments. Our services are designed to support you across every stage of your portfolio – from property sourcing and tenant finding to full compliance and management.
Our services include:
- Rental valuations based on latest Rightmove and Zoopla data
- Fully managed letting services for student and professional markets
- EPC advice and improvement planning
- Void reduction strategies and tenant retention support
- Advice on buy-to-let purchases and portfolio expansion
With regulation evolving and demand shifting, having a trusted local partner has never been more valuable.
Final thoughts
The 2026 outlook for landlords in Leamington Spa is positive. Leamington spa rental demand 2026 is forecast to remain strong, driven by student intake, professional relocators, and a tight rental market. But sustained returns depend on having a clear, flexible and proactive buy-to-let strategy.
Whether you’re reviewing your portfolio post-Christmas or planning your next investment, the team at Martin & Co Leamington Spa is here to help.
Let’s talk about your next move:
Book a free rental valuation or speak to a local expert: our team is on hand to help you get 2026 off to a strong start.
