The Cotswolds, famous for its picturesque villages, rolling hills, and distinctive honey-coloured Cotswold stone properties, has become a much sought-after destination for both residents and tourists alike. Most Cotswolds Estate Agents are focused on house sales – our difference is that we specialise in residential lettings with a diverse portfolio of homes to rent in the Cotswolds – which means we see first-hand the continued demand for rental properties in the area.
To navigate this fast-paced market successfully, many property owners come to us as their trusted local partner who will maximise their returns and minimise their hassle.
Understanding Market Demand – the data
Utilising our own data alongside that from key property portals, we can see a continued upward trend in Cotswold rentals throughout 2025.
Year end 2024 saw an increase in available listings of 16.8% versus the national average increase of c.13%.
New listings in the region were up by 28.1% versus 22.5% in the South, (excluding London), which has fed the continued demand – an increase of 6.1% in demand in the Cotswolds AONB versus a drop of almost 7% in the rest of the South (excluding London).
Asking prices were up by almost 22% across the Cotswolds, yet elsewhere in the South (excluding London) rental prices dropped by an average of 3%. But despite all of these healthy statistics in favour of the rentals market, lets agreed were down by almost 4%. But why?
We believe this highlights a significant change in market sentiment. With more rental properties available, tenants are finding they have more choice, which puts them in a strong position when it comes to making an offer on the rental price.
As we see an increase in rental supply, getting the rental level right is now the key to ensuring properties minimise any empty periods and property owner returns are maximised. Previously in 2022/2023 and early 2024 the lack of available properties made it difficult for tenants to pay anything less than the full monthly rental price. However, the economic uncertainty of the second half of 2024 in particular, lead to a slow down in agreed lets through into January and February of 2025.
Fortunately, we have seen the Cotswolds consistently outperform national rentals, and this “bucking of the trend” continued in 2024. The average rental in our area is £2,118 up 21.6% compared to £1,400 in the South West, £1,770 in the South-East, the anomaly being London where average rentals sit at around £2,620. Strong average rental prices highlight the competitive landscape of the Cotswolds where despite a slight levelling in balance of supply and demand, rental properties remain in high demand.
Through our own data we have a deeper insight into local market dynamics, and we have first hand experience of what tenants are looking for when choosing between Cotswold rental properties – and when choosing between Cotswold Estate Agents. We understand the nuances in the local market and can apply our specialist knowledge and insights to ensuring our property owners make informed decisions about pricing and strategy.
Adapting to a Fast-Moving Market
The rental market is moving quickly, as evidenced by the data – both ours and that of several property portals. Our agile approach and deep local knowledge allow us to respond effectively to market shifts. By continually analysing our own data, alongside regular conversations with local estate agents and property search providers, we can identify local trends and opportunities to ensure our clients are able to react to any changes in the local market.
This adaptability is crucial in the fast-paced nature of the Cotswold rental market where presenting and marketing each property on its own merits can make all the difference between a swift rental and a property that stands empty. It only takes a void of a month to lose 8% of your annual income. As specialist estate agents in the Cotswolds, focussing on lettings only, we understand this and treat every property on an individual basis — not just another listing.
Getting the Price Right
Setting the right rental price is critical for attracting tenants while maximising returns. Average rental price data provides a benchmark, but our own data, reflecting local trends and conditions, offers a more nuanced perspective. By reviewing quarter-on-quarter data, we can pinpoint fluctuations and ensure our pricing strategy aligns with current market conditions.
Our close relationships with our owners and personal knowledge of their rental properties, along with the breadth of requirements tenants bring to us when they are looking for a new rental home enhances our understanding of the local market and allows us to provide tailored advice and recommendations to owners and tenants alike.
Local Insights and Personalised Service
What sets us apart from other Cotswold Estate Agents is our deep-rooted local knowledge and personalised service. Over the years we have built an extensive network, our local “black book”, of contacts, enabling us to support our owners along their property ownership journey. And as we get to know our landlords and their properties we are able to confidently match them with potential tenants in a timely and efficient manner.
Additionally, our marketing team manages targeted social media campaigns, a comprehensive SEO strategy and regular communications with our database, to enhance our visibility and attract quality tenants.
What do our Owners say About Us?
We’ve told you we work hard to build relationships with our owners, now hear what they have to say.
Scott Paton of Pippa Paton Designs has known The Cotswold Letting Agency owner and director Fergus for a long time. He says:
“I’ve witnessed his commitment to Client service and know that The Cotswold Letting Agency does not think on a cookie cutter basis.”
He goes on to say that:
“The thing that I was really impressed by with Ferg and Olly and the team was their approach to really understanding what the house could offer and trying to value and market it as a unique offering that would achieve an appropriate value for what it is.”
David Maundrell, property owner is quoted as saying:
“I like the way I can pick up the phone at any time and speak to somebody, they know who I am, which is lovely, and I am not a big fish by any means. They know who everyone is and it seems very personable. You can ask them to do something for you and you just know it is going to happen, you don’t have to ask them twice. It makes my life easy which is what’s important. I would recommend them, absolutely, no questions asked.”
Partnering with a local property expert in the Cotswolds, such as ourselves, can significantly enhance your property rental experience. Our goal is to be the trusted, go-to letting agent in the Cotswolds, delivering standout service to our owners and tenants alike.
We believe profit should go hand in hand with purpose, which is why we are passionate about supporting sustainable economic growth in a strong, caring community.
