What’s the Best Type of Rental Property to Purchase as a Landlord?

From location to tenant demand, here's how to pick a rental property that delivers long-term returns.

What’s the Best Type of Rental Property to Purchase as a Landlord?

From location to tenant demand, here's how to pick a rental property that delivers long-term returns.

Investing in rental property can be one of the most rewarding steps you take as a landlord—but not all rental properties are created equal. Whether you're a first-time buyer or expanding your portfolio, the right choice can mean the difference between a high-yield investment and a financial headache.

So, what type of rental property is best to buy? Let's break down the options and factors to help you make a profitable decision.

1. Two- and Three-Bedroom Terraced or Semi-Detached Homes

Ideal For: Long-term family lets

Why They Work:
These homes are the backbone of the UK rental market, especially in suburban areas and market towns like Aylesbury, Hartlepool, and Verwood. They typically attract families who prefer consistency and are less likely to move frequently.

• Pros:
  • ✅ Strong, consistent tenant demand
  • ✅ Low void periods due to broad appeal
  • ✅ Easy to maintain and resell
• Cons:
  • ❌ Families may require more maintenance due to wear and tear
  • ❌ Less flexibility in rent increases for long-term tenants
  • ❌ Can take longer to modernise or refurbish between tenancies compared to smaller units

2. Modern City Centre Flats

Ideal For: Young professionals and couples

Why They Work:
Well-located flats in busy towns or cities offer strong rental yields, especially when close to employment hubs, train stations or entertainment.

• Pros:
  • ✅ High rental prices in key locations
  • ✅ Low-maintenance interiors
  • ✅ Strong appeal to working professionals
• Cons:
  • ❌ Leasehold restrictions and service charges
  • ❌ Higher turnover rate = more marketing & admin
  • ❌ Can be impacted by oversupply in some city areas

3. New-Build Properties

Ideal For: Hands-off landlords

Why They Work:
New-builds often come with 10-year NHBC warranties and minimal upfront repairs. They also appeal to quality tenants due to energy efficiency and modern fittings.

• Pros:
  • ✅ Very low initial maintenance costs
  • ✅ Attractive to quality tenants
  • ✅ Higher EPC ratings = cheaper bills for tenants
• Cons:
  • ❌ Premium purchase price can reduce ROI
  • ❌ Slower capital growth in early years
  • ❌ Limited negotiation on pricing with developers

4. Student Lets (If Managed Correctly)

Ideal For: Experienced landlords in university towns

Why They Work:
In areas with major universities, student properties can deliver some of the highest rental yields by letting individual rooms to multiple tenants.

• Pros:
  • ✅ High rental income from multiple tenants
  • ✅ Reliable annual demand
  • ✅ Often paid in advance or via guarantors
• Cons:
  • ❌ Higher maintenance due to multiple occupants
  • ❌ Seasonal void periods during summer
  • ❌ Strict compliance requirements (HMO licensing, fire regs, etc.)

5. Bungalows

Ideal For: Retired tenants and downsizers

Why They Work:
With an ageing population and rising demand for mobility-friendly homes, bungalows can bring stable long-term tenancies and reduced wear-and-tear.

• Pros:
  • ✅ Longer tenancy durations
  • ✅ Often attract more respectful tenants
  • ✅ Typically lower maintenance needs
• Cons:
  • ❌ Limited tenant pool (specific demographic)
  • ❌ May require specialist adaptations to meet accessibility needs
  • ❌ May have slower capital appreciation

Final Thoughts: What’s “Best” Depends on Your Goals

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Choosing the best rental property depends on your budget, risk appetite, preferred involvement level, and long-term strategy.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want steady long-term growth or high short-term yield?
• Am I looking for a hands-off investment or a more active approach?
• What’s the local tenant demand in the area I’m investing?

At 360 Properties, we help landlords find and manage the right property for their goals—whether you're buying your first buy-to-let or expanding a portfolio. With offices in Aylesbury, Hartlepool, and Verwood, we know what local tenants want—and how to make your investment work harder.