With its prime Midlands location, strong tenant demand and excellent commuter links, Northampton continues to be one of the UK’s most attractive towns for buy-to-let landlords and property investors.
Whether you’re a first-time landlord, growing your portfolio, or switching from self-management to a letting agent, understanding the local market is essential. From the latest rent trends to tenant profiles and legislation updates, landlords in Northampton need to stay informed to maximise returns and reduce risk.
At Northwood Northampton, we work with hundreds of local landlords, offering expert advice and full-service lettings support. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the current state of the rental market, yields, legislation changes, and how to let your property successfully in 2024 and beyond.
Why landlords are choosing Northampton
Northampton continues to attract attention from investors for good reason. It sits in a high-growth area with easy access to London, Milton Keynes, Birmingham and Cambridge. Trains to London Euston take under an hour, and the town benefits from the M1, A45 and A43 road networks.
The town’s appeal also lies in its affordability. According to Zoopla, the average property price in Northampton is £269,000, well below the national average. This makes it attractive for both investors looking for value and tenants looking for cost-effective rental options.
There’s a healthy rental demand too. Rightmove reports that the average asking rent in Northampton is around £995 per calendar month, up 8% year-on-year, with higher figures in popular postcodes such as NN1, NN3 and NN5.
What the rental market looks like in 2024
The Northampton rental market has remained robust despite wider economic uncertainty. Several factors are driving this:
- Fewer landlords listing properties due to regulatory changes has reduced supply
- Tenant demand remains high, especially for two and three-bedroom homes
- Young professionals and families are moving from larger cities in search of more space
Rightmove’s Rental Price Tracker shows demand consistently outstripping supply in Northamptonshire, pushing up rents and reducing void periods. Most well-presented homes are let within 7 to 14 days of listing, particularly in sought-after areas such as Abington, Kingsthorpe and Duston.
Rental yields: what can you expect?
Gross rental yields across Northampton vary depending on location and property type, but are still performing well compared to nearby towns.
Here’s a snapshot of average yields based on data from Home.co.uk and our internal analysis:
- NN1 (Town Centre & Abington): 5.6% to 6.4%
- NN3 (Boothville, Weston Favell): 5.1% to 6.0%
- NN4 (East Hunsbury, Wootton): 4.8% to 5.5%
- NN5 (Duston, St James): 5.2% to 6.2%
Terraced homes, apartments and HMOs continue to deliver strong returns, especially in areas with good transport, schools and amenities. Well-managed properties with energy-efficient upgrades are in particularly high demand.
Thinking of letting in one of these areas? Book a free rental valuation today to find out what your property could earn.
What type of tenants are renting in Northampton?
Knowing who your tenants are is just as important as knowing what they want. In Northampton, we regularly let properties to:
- Young professionals working in logistics, finance, healthcare or tech
- Families looking for proximity to schools and outdoor space
- Commuters moving from London and the South East for affordability
- Remote workers needing flexible living with good broadband
- Hospital staff from Northampton General Hospital
Demand remains high for clean, well-maintained homes near parks, shops, and transport. Landlords offering energy-efficient properties and good storage continue to attract long-term tenants.
Key regulations every landlord should know
Letting in 2024 means keeping up with the evolving legal landscape. Some of the essential legal obligations for Northampton landlords include:
1. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
All rental properties must have a minimum EPC rating of E. The government has proposed raising this to C in future years, so now is a good time to invest in energy improvements.
2. Electrical & Gas Safety Checks
A valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is required every 5 years, and annual gas safety checks are compulsory where applicable.
3. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
You must install at least one smoke alarm on every storey and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid fuel appliance.
4. Deposit protection
All deposits must be registered in a government-backed scheme, such as DPS, within 30 days of receipt.
5. Right to Rent checks
Landlords are legally required to check all tenants have the right to rent in England.
6. Licensing (HMO or selective)
If you let multiple tenants share facilities, your property may require a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence from Northampton Borough Council.
7. Renters Reform Bill
The upcoming bill proposes the abolition of Section 21 €˜no fault’ evictions and the introduction of a single system of periodic tenancies. Landlords will need to adjust processes and documentation once the bill is passed.
Navigating these regulations can feel daunting, especially for first-time landlords. That’s where working with a local lettings expert can help.
Should you manage the property yourself or use an agent?
While self-managing a property may seem like a cost-saving idea, it can quickly become time-consuming and risky if you’re not on top of the legal and practical aspects of lettings.
Landlords in Northampton often choose Northwood for our:
- In-depth local market knowledge
- Professional tenant referencing
- Marketing reach via Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket
- Regular inspections and 24/7 maintenance support
- Rent collection and arrears management
- Legal compliance and documentation
The benefits of Guaranteed Rent
For landlords who want to take the hassle out of letting entirely, our Guaranteed Rent scheme offers complete peace of mind. Here’s how it works:
- We become your tenant and sublet the property
- You receive fixed monthly payments €“ even if the tenant doesn’t pay or the property is empty
- We handle everything from tenant sourcing to maintenance
It’s ideal for landlords who live outside the area, are time-poor, or simply want income certainty.
Explore our Guaranteed Rent service in Northampton here
Tips for first-time landlords
If you’re new to the world of lettings, here are a few key pointers to get started:
- Get a professional rental valuation before listing
- Ensure the property is clean, compliant, and ready to let
- Keep financial records and receipts for allowable expenses
- Build in a contingency for maintenance or void periods
- Use a trusted local agent to guide you through the legalities
Why landlords choose Northwood Northampton
We’re not just another letting agent. At Northwood Northampton, we bring:
- Decades of lettings experience in NN1 through NN7
- A team that knows the market street by street
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
- A commitment to finding the right tenants for your property
- A reputation built on trust, professionalism, and results
From standard let-only to full property management and Guaranteed Rent, we’ll tailor our service to your needs.
Book your free rental appraisal today and discover what your property could earn.
Final thoughts: Letting in Northampton is full of opportunity
Rents are rising, demand is strong, and the area continues to draw new residents. But success as a landlord depends on getting the details right: from choosing the right location to staying compliant and working with the right team.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or dipping your toes into the world of buy-to-let for the first time, we’re here to help you make confident, informed decisions.
Have a property you’re thinking of letting? Contact our local team at Northwood Northampton for expert advice and personalised support.
