Rental Income: How to Make More Money from Your Property

If you own a house, flat, or a share in a shared‑ownership home, you probably wonder how much cash it can bring you each month. Rental income is the cash you collect from tenants after you cover mortgage, bills, and basic upkeep. Knowing the numbers helps you decide if buying to let is worth it, and it lets you plan for the future.

First, calculate your net rent. Take the gross rent you charge, subtract the mortgage payment, council tax, insurance, and a reasonable amount for repairs (usually 10% of the rent). The leftover is your true income. If that figure feels low, you can tweak the factors that are under your control.

How to Boost Your Rental Income

One quick win is to raise the rent to match the market. Check nearby listings on websites like Rightmove or Zoopla, and adjust your price if you’re below average. Make small upgrades that cost little but add value – fresh paint, new light switches, or a modern kitchen faucet. Tenants notice these touches and are often happy to pay a bit more.

Another lever is to offer furnished rooms or a fully‑furnished flat. Furnished rentals command higher weekly rates, especially in student‑heavy areas like Florin Court. If you have a spare bedroom, consider renting it out separately on platforms such as SpareRoom. That can turn a single‑tenant flat into two income streams.

Don’t forget the 2% rule from our "2% Rule for Investment Property" guide. It says your monthly rent should be at least 2% of the property’s purchase price to be a good deal. Use it as a quick sanity check when you’re hunting for new buy‑to‑let opportunities.

If you own a share in a shared‑ownership home, you might wonder if you get monthly payouts. The "Do Shareholders Get Paid Monthly?" article explains that most shared‑ownership schemes pay rent on the portion you don’t own, not a dividend. Still, you can boost profits by paying down your share faster, which reduces the rent you owe.

Common Rental Income Mistakes to Avoid

One big error is under‑estimating void periods – times when the property sits empty. Always keep a reserve fund equal to at least one month’s rent to cover these gaps. Another pitfall is ignoring landlord responsibilities. Late repairs can lead to tenant turnover, which costs you both time and money.

Don’t forget to factor in tax. Rental income is taxable, but you can deduct mortgage interest, letting agent fees, and maintenance costs. Use the guidance from our "Property Valuation Meaning" post to understand how valuations affect your tax bill.

Finally, avoid setting the rent too low just to fill the vacancy quickly. A lower rent can attract the wrong tenants and lead to more wear and tear. Aim for a balance between market rates and the quality of tenant you want.

By checking the numbers, making smart upgrades, and staying on top of expenses, you can turn a modest rental into a reliable income stream. Use the tools and tips from the articles on this page to fine‑tune your strategy, and you’ll see your rental earnings grow over time.