- Dec 5th 2025
Weekly blog from Andrew Lees Lettings & Gibbins Richards Lettings & Management
December is here… and while many people are putting up Christmas lights, landlords and investors across Somerset are wondering what the end-of-year rental market really looks like.
The good news?
The December lettings market is far merrier than many expect.
While some parts of the year naturally slow down, December has become a surprisingly active month for tenants — especially in areas like Bridgwater, Taunton, Burnham-on-Sea, Wellington and Weston-super-Mare.
From festive relocations to job-related moves (with strong demand from Hinkley Point C, Musgrove Park Hospital, and workers anticipating the future Gravity Smart Campus), December offers more activity than you might assume. And this year is proving no different.
Let’s unwrap what’s happening…
🎁 1. Strong Tenant Demand Even as the Year Ends
Despite the cold weather and Christmas rush, demand across Somerset has stayed steady throughout December.
We’re continuing to see:
✔ Relocations for new jobs starting in January
✔ Seasonal workers searching for short and long-term rentals
✔ Families aiming to move before the new school term
✔ Professionals securing homes early to avoid New Year competition
In many cases, tenants prefer to move now rather than fight the January surge — meaning well-presented, fairly priced properties are still achieving quick interest.
✨ 2. Less Competition = Faster Lets
While demand stays strong, supply often dips in December because some landlords wait until January to list.
This gives proactive landlords an advantage:
🎄 Less competition → More visibility → Faster lets
Properties in areas like Bridgwater and Taunton, in particular, have been seeing steady viewings — even in the first two weeks of December when some landlords assume the market has “gone quiet.”
🎅 3. January “Boom” Means December Is Smart Strategy
January is traditionally the busiest lettings month of the year.
But the smart tenants (and savvy landlords!) move now to avoid:
- Higher New Year competition
- Rising rents in January
- busier viewing schedules
- Limited choice when everyone returns from holidays
Listing a property in December positions landlords perfectly to benefit from:
🎄 December interest
✨ Early-January spillover
🎉 Peak mid-January activity
In other words: December isn’t a slowdown — it’s a run-up.
🔔 4. Opportunities for Landlords in High-Demand Areas
Certain pockets of Somerset continue to be particularly strong:
📍 Bridgwater – consistent demand linked to Hinkley Point C
📍 Taunton – year-round interest driven by Musgrove Park Hospital & connectivity
📍 Wellington – popular with families and professionals
📍 Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge – coastal appeal + commuting flexibility
📍 Weston-super-Mare – ideal for relocators & hybrid workers
These areas often see strong winter activity because tenants relocating for new roles begin securing homes before Christmas.
⭐ 5. Why Professional Management Matters Even More in December
With tight timescales, holiday closures and compliance rules to follow, December can create pressure points for landlords.
Our teams at Andrew Lees Lettings and Gibbins Richards Lettings & Management help ensure:
✔ Efficient advertising during peak Christmas social-media activity
✔ Prompt viewings and tenant selection
✔ Legally compliant referencing & documentation
✔ Smooth handovers with minimal delays
✔ Management of urgent maintenance during the festive period
✔ Accurate rent and deposit handling (even over bank holidays)
A proactive, fully managed approach means your investment keeps performing while you enjoy Christmas — not chase paperwork.
🎄 A Festive Thought for Landlords…
As the nights get longer and the fairy lights go up, December is actually a perfect time to think strategically about your rental portfolio.
✔ Is your property achieving its full rental potential?
✔ Is your tenant management as efficient as it could be?
✔ Are you prepared for the Renters’ Rights Act changes in 2025?
✔ Is January the right moment to review your approach?
We’re here to help you enter the New Year feeling confident, compliant and in control.
📘 Learn More About Our Landlord Services
For full details on our management packages, fees and support for landlords, view our brochures below:
Andrew Lees Lettings – Landlord Brochure
👉 Click here
Gibbins Richards Lettings – Landlord Brochure
👉 Click here
⚠️ Disclaimer
This blog has been researched and written by Andrew Lees Lettings & Gibbins Richards Lettings & Management.
It is accurate at the time of publication and intended for general information only. It should not be relied upon as legal, financial or professional advice.
