By Dean Gill, Director at Martin & Co Worksop
Across the UK, the rental market has been shifting. National data from Zoopla shows that rental growth is beginning to cool, with new-let rents up just 2.8% year-on-year as of April 2025, compared with much higher growth in previous years. Rightmove’s House Price Index also reports that asking prices have dipped seasonally, as affordability pressures continue to affect buyers and renters alike. For landlords, this means one thing: maximising rental income is no longer about simply raising the rent each year — it’s about strategy, presentation, and long-term planning.
Here in Worksop, our team at Martin & Co sees the same story playing out locally. Landlords who adopt smart approaches — from better property presentation and energy efficiency to minimising void periods and retaining great tenants — are outperforming the average.
In this article, I’ll share 10 proven ways Worksop landlords can increase their rental income in today’s market, while ensuring compliance and providing tenants with a great living experience.
Worksop Rental Market: Setting the Scene
Before diving into the practical tips, it’s important to understand the market backdrop.
- Rents are still rising, but more slowly. According to Zoopla, average rents are up modestly, but the pace has eased compared to the record highs of 2023–24. This shows that while demand remains strong, renters are becoming more price-sensitive.
- House prices are adjusting. Rightmove reports that asking prices fell by around 1% in August 2025, a typical seasonal dip but also a reflection of cautious buyer behaviour. For investors, this can present opportunities to buy well in Worksop and achieve attractive yields.
- ONS data shows private rents continue to grow steadily, even as house price growth levels out. That balance is critical for landlords considering long-term investment.
Here in Worksop, areas such as the town centre, Gateford, and Carlton-in-Lindrick continue to attract high tenant demand thanks to affordable prices and strong commuter links to Sheffield and Nottingham.
10 Ways to Maximise Your Rental Income in Worksop
1. Get Price-Perfect With Live Data
Too many landlords rely on outdated rent figures or gut instinct when setting rents. In today’s market, that approach risks either undervaluing your property or pricing it too high and losing tenants.
Use live data from Rightmove and Zoopla to benchmark your property against others in Worksop. Factor in not only location but also property type, condition, and EPC rating. At Martin & Co Worksop, we run rent reviews for landlords using the latest data — often finding opportunities to nudge rents upwards without jeopardising occupancy.
2. Reduce Voids With Pre-Marketing & Fast Turnarounds
Every empty week eats directly into your annual yield. Reducing voids is one of the most powerful ways to boost income.
We recommend:
- Listing your property 4–6 weeks before tenants move out.
- Having cleaning, decorating, or minor works lined up in advance.
- Using high-quality virtual tours to attract tenants before the property is vacant.
Landlords who adopt this proactive approach typically cut voids from several weeks to just a few days — adding hundreds of pounds to annual income.
3. Upgrade for ROI With Targeted Mini-Refurbs
Not all upgrades are created equal. Tenants are often willing to pay more for a modern kitchen, updated bathroom, or durable flooring. These improvements not only command higher rent but also reduce long-term maintenance costs.
For example, one Worksop landlord recently invested in new vinyl flooring and LED lighting. The upfront cost was modest, but the property rented faster and at £50 more per month — paying back within the first year.
4. Improve Energy Efficiency to Boost Rentability
Tenants today care about energy bills as much as rent levels. Properties with better EPC ratings are more attractive and can justify higher rents. Simple steps like loft insulation, LED lighting, or a modern boiler can make a huge difference.
Beyond rentability, EPC improvements will protect you against future regulatory changes. Investing now keeps you ahead of compliance requirements while improving tenant satisfaction.
5. Add Value With Furnishing & Amenities
Sometimes, small extras can give your property the edge. Offering white goods, fitted blinds, or fast broadband-ready connections can increase appeal and allow you to charge slightly higher rents.
Furnished options also work well in certain tenant markets, such as young professionals or short-term corporate lets. However, always weigh the additional management and maintenance costs against the potential uplift in rent.
6. Optimise Tenancy Length & Renewals
It’s often better to have a good tenant stay longer at a fair rent than to chase a higher figure with frequent turnover.
Offering 12–24 month tenancies with fair break clauses gives tenants security and reduces churn. Proactively approaching tenants 3 months before the end of their term allows you to negotiate renewals at market rates, keeping your income consistent.
7. Professional Photography & Listing Optimisation
In a competitive market, presentation sells. High-quality photos, clear floorplans, and well-written descriptions make a huge difference to enquiries.
At Martin & Co Worksop, we optimise listings with local keywords such as “near Bassetlaw Hospital” or “close to Worksop railway station” — boosting visibility on portals like Rightmove. Professional photography isn’t a cost — it’s an investment that reduces voids and secures better tenants.
8. Maximise Net Income With Smart Fees & Tax Planning
Your gross rent is only half the story. What matters is net income after costs and tax.
Work with professionals to review:
- Ownership structure (personal vs. limited company).
- Allowable expenses and deductions.
- Mortgage products and interest rates.
With tax rules for landlords constantly in the headlines, having a clear strategy ensures you’re keeping more of what you earn.
9. Prioritise Tenant Experience to Protect Yields
Happy tenants stay longer and look after properties better. Simple things like prompt maintenance responses, clear communication, and fair rent reviews make a big difference.
Investing in systems — from online maintenance portals to regular inspections — not only improves tenant satisfaction but also protects your property’s condition and long-term value.
10. Consider Professional Management to Unlock Hidden Yield
Managing a property yourself can seem cost-effective, but it often leads to longer voids, missed rent increases, or compliance risks.
At Martin & Co Worksop, we’ve helped landlords increase yields by:
- Cutting average voids by 40%.
- Negotiating fair but higher renewals in line with live data.
- Ensuring 100% compliance with safety checks and legislation.
Professional management pays for itself by maximising income and reducing stress.
Compliance and Risk: Staying on the Right Side of the Law
While maximising income is important, compliance must always come first. Worksop landlords must stay up to date with:
- Gas and electrical safety certificates.
- Deposit protection schemes.
- Right to Rent checks.
- EPC minimum standards.
The Office for National Statistics and GOV.UK provide reliable data and updates on regulations. At Martin & Co, we keep our landlords informed and ensure every property meets current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a good rental yield in Worksop right now?
Yields vary by area and property type, but many Worksop investors achieve between 6–8% gross yields. Well-bought terraced properties and HMOs often perform at the higher end.
How often should I review rent in Worksop?
At least once a year, ideally aligned with tenancy renewal. Use local comparables and live data to guide fair, achievable adjustments.
Which upgrades deliver the fastest payback?
Kitchens, bathrooms, and energy-efficiency improvements usually offer the strongest ROI in Worksop. Small touches like fresh décor and modern lighting also pay off quickly.
Is furnished or unfurnished better in Worksop?
It depends on your tenant market. Young professionals and short-term tenants often prefer furnished, while families and long-term tenants lean towards unfurnished.
Conclusion: Unlocking Worksop’s Rental Potential
The rental market is changing, but opportunities remain strong for landlords who adopt a strategic, data-driven approach. From minimising voids and upgrading properties to focusing on tenant retention and compliance, there are many levers to pull to boost income.
As Director of Martin & Co Worksop, I’ve seen landlords achieve significant improvements in yield by implementing just a few of these tactics.
👉 If you’re a Worksop landlord or considering investing in the area, I invite you to book a free Rent Review and Yield Optimisation Plan with me and my team. Together, we’ll ensure your property is performing at its best in today’s market.
Contact Martin & Co Worksop today to arrange your free rental income review. Whether you’re looking to buy your first investment or maximise an existing portfolio, we’ll provide the local insight and professional expertise you need.
