A 2025 Guide for Landlords Across North Devon
Setting the right rent can feel like a guessing game – but in today’s market, getting it wrong could cost you. Charge too much, and you risk long void periods. Too little, and you’re leaving money on the table.
If you're a landlord in Barnstaple, Bideford, Braunton, South Molton, Ilfracombe or Torrington, here’s how to work out what you should be charging in 2025 – and why a little strategy goes a long way.
📊 What’s the Local Market Like Right Now?
In North Devon, rental demand remains strong, but tenant affordability is tighter than it was 12 months ago.
With affordability stretched by rising utility bills, food prices and general living expenses, tenants are more conscious of value for money than ever.
In Barnstaple, we’re seeing:
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High demand for 2–3 bed houses
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Strong interest in well-presented flats close to the town centre
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Slower movement on properties priced above local averages without added value (e.g. parking, garden, modernisation)
💷 So… How Much Should You Charge?
There’s no one-size-fits-all number – but here’s what we advise:
✅ Check Comparables
Look at similar properties in your postcode, not just the general area. Consider:
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Size and layout
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Condition
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Features (parking, garden, modern kitchen, etc.)
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EPC rating (especially important with energy-conscious tenants)
✅ Be Honest About Condition
A tired property will never command the same rent as a well-presented one. If there are things that need updating, consider whether a small investment could boost your monthly return.
✅ Factor in Current Demand
For example: If 3-bed semis in Braunton are renting within 48 hours, you may have some room to aim high. If you’ve got a 1-bed flat in Ilfracombe where demand is softer, realistic pricing is crucial.
🧮 Avoid These Common Mistakes
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Basing your rent on your mortgage payments – Tenants don’t care what your buy-to-let costs. They care about value.
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Using old data – Rents have shifted a lot in the past 18–24 months. If your last tenant moved in during 2021, it’s time for a fresh assessment.
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Copying overpriced listings – Just because a similar property is listed at £950 doesn’t mean it’s achieving that. Look at what's actually let – not what’s still on the market.
🔍 Need Help? Get a Local Rental Valuation
At Collyers, we offer free, no-obligation rental valuations for landlords across North Devon. We don’t just look at Rightmove – we use our live applicant database, market trends, and local lettings experience to help you price with confidence.
And if you’d rather not be chasing rent, arranging viewings or worrying about compliance, we offer full management services too.
👉 Explore our Lettings Services
👉 Book your rental valuation
Or contact our lettings team in Barnstaple today.
Collyers Estate Agents – trusted by landlords across Barnstaple and North Devon.
