Advertising your property online is one of the most effective ways to find tenants in London’s competitive rental market. With millions of people searching for homes every day, listing your rental property on the right platforms and using effective marketing strategies can help you attract high-quality tenants quickly.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to advertise your property for rent online in London, which platforms to use, and how Fraser Bond can support you in finding reliable tenants.
The first step in advertising your rental property is selecting the right platforms to list your home. The following are some of the most popular online portals used by landlords and letting agents in London:
Rightmove is the UK’s largest property website, attracting millions of potential renters every month. It’s one of the most effective platforms to reach a broad audience. However, private landlords can’t list directly on Rightmove—you’ll need to work through a letting agent like Fraser Bond, who can advertise your property on the platform and handle tenant enquiries.
Another major property portal in the UK is Zoopla. It’s widely used by renters in London and offers great exposure for rental listings. Like Rightmove, Zoopla requires landlords to list through a licensed agent, ensuring your property is seen by serious renters.
OpenRent is one of the most popular platforms for private landlords looking to manage the rental process themselves. It allows you to list your property directly without needing to go through an agent. You can advertise for free or choose premium options that include additional features like tenant referencing and digital contracts.
Gumtree is a free-to-use classified site that’s popular for property rentals in London. It’s ideal for landlords who want to advertise without paying listing fees. While it may not have the same level of exposure as Rightmove or Zoopla, it’s a good option for finding renters quickly, especially for short-term lets or budget properties.
Facebook Marketplace offers another free and highly effective way to advertise your property. You can list your rental with photos and descriptions, and share it with local community groups for wider visibility. Facebook is especially useful for targeting specific types of renters, such as students or young professionals.
If you’re renting out a room or part of a shared house, SpareRoom is one of the best platforms to use. It’s the go-to site for flatshares and room rentals in London, with a large and active audience looking for shared accommodation.
To attract the right tenants, your property listing needs to stand out and provide all the key information renters are looking for. Here’s how to create an effective online listing:
Visual appeal is essential for drawing attention to your listing. Take high-quality, well-lit photos of each room, making sure the property looks clean and welcoming. Include shots of key areas like the kitchen, living room, bathroom, and any outdoor spaces such as a garden or balcony.
If possible, consider hiring a professional photographer to ensure your property is presented in the best possible light. Professional photos can increase the number of enquiries you receive.
Your property description should clearly highlight the best features of your home. Include essential details like:
In the description, focus on what makes your property stand out—whether it’s modern fittings, a prime location, or unique features like a garden or parking space.
Renters in London are often cautious about unexpected costs. Be clear in your listing about the monthly rent, security deposit, and whether any utility bills are included. Transparency helps you attract serious, reliable tenants and avoids potential issues down the line.
In addition to property portals, social media platforms can be a great way to expand the reach of your rental listing. Here are some ways to use social media effectively:
Join local property rental groups and post your listing there. Many renters turn to Facebook groups to find homes in their area. Include a link to your listing on Marketplace or other platforms, as well as photos and key details.
Use Instagram to showcase your property’s best features. Share photos and video tours in your feed or Instagram Stories to attract followers. You can also use hashtags like #LondonRentals or #LondonProperty to increase your reach.
Tweet about your property, and include a link to your listing. Use relevant hashtags like #LondonRent and #PropertyToLet to make your post more visible to people searching for homes in London.
Once you start receiving enquiries from potential tenants, it’s important to screen them carefully to ensure they are reliable and financially stable. Here’s how to conduct effective tenant screening:
Use a tenant referencing service to check the following:
Platforms like OpenRent offer tenant referencing as part of their services. If you prefer to do it yourself, there are also standalone tenant referencing services available online.
In the UK, landlords are legally required to conduct a Right to Rent check, which ensures that tenants have the legal right to rent a property. This involves verifying a tenant’s passport or other immigration documents.
Once you’ve found the right tenant, it’s important to manage the property and tenancy efficiently. Here are a few key points to consider:
Make sure you have a legally binding tenancy agreement in place. The most common type is an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), which outlines the terms of the rental, including rent payments, duration, and responsibilities for both the tenant and landlord.
As a landlord, you are legally required to protect your tenant’s deposit in a government-approved deposit protection scheme such as DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS. This ensures the deposit is handled fairly and legally.
Set up a reliable system for rent collection, such as a direct debit or standing order. Keep track of rent payments and follow up promptly on any missed payments to avoid issues with arrears.
Ensure you have a system in place for handling property maintenance and repairs. It’s essential to address issues promptly to keep your property in good condition and maintain a positive relationship with your tenants.
At Fraser Bond, we offer a full range of services to help you rent out your property efficiently and profitably. Whether you need support with marketing, tenant sourcing, or full property management, we provide expert assistance every step of the way.
Here’s how we can assist:
Advertising your property for rent online in London can help you reach a wide audience of potential tenants and secure a reliable, long-term rental. By choosing the right platforms, creating an attractive listing, and managing the process professionally, you can ensure a smooth rental experience.
If you’re looking for expert help in renting out your property, Fraser Bond is here to support you. Contact us today for a consultation and find out how we can make your property rental process easier and more profitable.
