There has been continued demand for rental properties in Bath throughout February 2021, maintaining the trends we saw in January when demand outstripped supply.
Smaller, more ‘typical’ investment properties have let very easily throughout the month, and while there has been fair demand for family homes, there have been precious few available on the market. At the very end of the month, we saw several larger properties return to the market as tenants gave their notice; as we grow closer to half term and Easter beyond, we will likely see this market become more active as families, who are traditionally reluctant to move during the winter months, start to make plans for the year ahead.
The lockdown that ran throughout February has not had a major impact on our activity; it has become common knowledge that our sector has been permitted to continue working, so tenants have been free to proceed with home moves and viewings. It has been encouraging to see how well clients have responded to the Covid safety measures we have in place, which have served us very well thus far.
On that note, B&NES council has made asymptomatic Covid testing available to local workforces who are unable to work from home, and come into regular contact with the public. This means that our staff will be able to get tested on a weekly basis, giving our clients even more reassurance that we are taking every precaution to safeguard their health.
Rightmove data shows a shift to rural areas
Data released by Rightmove during February shows a definite shift from major cities to more rural areas over the course of 2020. The area hit hardest was Greater London, which saw average rents drop by 6.4% over the year. In contrast, average rents in the South West increased by 5.4%, although it should be pointed out that parts of Devon and Cornwall, where rents are typically lower than in Bath, will have contributed to this figure.
The much-publicised exodus of renters from London is certainly something that we have witnessed in Bath, and we expect this to continue throughout the year as lockdown restrictions are relaxed. Cities such as Bath, with strong transport links into the capital, are prime destinations for renters looking to escape densely populated, built-up areas.
Bath Celebrates Its Property Sector
The Bath Property Awards are almost upon us, and we are delighted to be nominated as finalists. Held on Friday 12th March, the online ceremony brings together businesses from all corners of the property sector; it is remarkable to see the strength and diversity in the businesses nominated across the categories. Regardless of what happens in our ‘lettings agent’ category, it’s a pleasure to be in such enterprising and esteemed company.
Well this looks very snazzy!
(Lovely design thank you, @ccdesignbath)@BathPropertyAwd pic.twitter.com/yx66GR7ljI
— Reside Bath (@ResideBath) March 1, 2021
Do check out the Bath Property Awards website to read more about the other businesses involved.
Reside is an award-winning independent letting agent in Bath. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss any aspect of letting or managing your property; we would love to hear from you.
Toby holds a Level 3 ARLA Propertymark qualification and runs the 'engine room' at Reside, making sure that properties are perfectly-presented and that they are let quickly at a good rent. When not working, Toby is happiest when enjoying a day's cricket.
