Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty in late 2024, the region has maintained its appeal with rental prices surging by almost 22% across the Cotswolds, while prices in the wider South (excluding London) dropped by an average of 3%.
The average Cotswolds rental now stands at £2,118 – significantly higher than the South West (£1,400) and South East (£1,770) averages, with only London commanding higher rates at approximately £2,620.
"We've seen the Cotswolds consistently outperform national rentals, and this 'bucking of the trend' continued throughout 2024 and into 2025," explains Fergus, owner and director of The Cotswold Letting Agency, a specialist firm focusing exclusively on the lettings market.
Unlike many Cotswolds estate agents who primarily focus on sales, The Cotswold Letting Agency specialises solely in residential lettings, giving them unique insights into market dynamics that national portals and general agencies miss.
Market shifts create new challenges
Despite healthy year-end figures showing available listings up 16.8% versus the national average increase of around 13%, and new listings rising by 28.1% compared to 22.5% in the South, the data revealed an interesting trend – agreed lets were down by almost 4%.
"This highlights a significant change in market sentiment," notes Fergus. "With more rental properties available, tenants now have more choice, putting them in a stronger position when negotiating rental prices."
The agency's data suggests that correctly pricing properties has become crucial in the current market, with even a one-month void period resulting in an 8% loss of annual rental income.
Local connections deliver premium service
Scott Paton of Pippa Paton Designs, a long-time associate of the agency, praises their individual approach: "The thing that I was really impressed by with Ferg and Olly and the team was their approach to really understanding what the house could offer and trying to value and market it as a unique offering that would achieve an appropriate value for what it is."
This personalised service extends to all clients, regardless of portfolio size. Property owner David Maundrell highlights the accessibility of the team: "I like the way I can pick up the phone at any time and speak to somebody, they know who I am, which is lovely, and I am not a big fish by any means. They know who everyone is and it seems very personable."
He adds: "You can ask them to do something for you and you just know it is going to happen, you don't have to ask them twice. It makes my life easy which is what's important. I would recommend them, absolutely, no questions asked."
The agency leverages its extensive local network – what they call their "black book" of contacts – alongside targeted social media campaigns and comprehensive SEO strategies to attract quality tenants and support property owners throughout their investment journey.
"As the market continues to evolve, working with specialists who understand the unique characteristics of Cotswold properties and tenant expectations becomes increasingly valuable," concludes Fergus. "We believe profit should go hand in hand with purpose, which is why we are passionate about supporting sustainable economic growth in a strong, caring community."
More information can be found at: https://www.cotswoldlettingagency.com/best-local-cotswolds-estate-agents-for-property-owners/