Weekly Blog – Andrew Lees Lettings & Gibbins Richards Lettings
As the festive season winds down, the lettings market across Somerset is quietly gearing up for its busiest period of the year. While December is often seen as a time to pause, January is traditionally the strongest month for tenant demand — and landlords who prepare early are the ones who benefit most.
Across Bridgwater, Taunton, Wellington, Burnham-on-Sea and Weston-super-Mare, we’re already seeing early signs of January enquiries, viewings being booked in advance, and tenants planning moves as soon as the New Year begins.
So the key question is: are you ready?
Why January Is the Peak Month for Lettings
January consistently stands out as the most active month in the rental calendar, and for good reason.
Tenant behaviour in January is driven by:
- New job starts
- Relocations planned over Christmas
- End-of-year decision-making
- Tenants wanting to move before spring competition
- Fresh budgets and New Year plans
In Somerset, this is further supported by ongoing demand linked to Hinkley Point C, Musgrove Park Hospital, and growing interest around the Gravity site near Bridgwater.
The result?
👉 More enquiries
👉 Faster lets
👉 Strong competition for well-presented properties
Why December Preparation Makes All the Difference
One of the biggest mistakes landlords make is waiting until January to start preparing.
By the time the New Year arrives:
- The best tenants are already searching
- Viewings are being booked immediately
- Well-priced properties move quickly
Landlords who prepare in December are in a far stronger position to:
✔ Launch immediately in early January
✔ Capture the first wave of demand
✔ Avoid rushed decisions
✔ Reduce void periods
In simple terms: January rewards preparation, not panic.
What Landlords Should Be Doing Now
To make the most of the January market, we recommend landlords focus on the following areas before the New Year:
1. Review Your Rent Against the Current Market
The rental market has shifted significantly over the past 12–18 months. Properties that haven’t been reviewed recently may now be under-rented, particularly in high-demand areas.
A realistic, evidence-based rent review can make a meaningful difference to annual returns.
2. Ensure Your Property Is Fully Ready
January tenants expect homes to be:
- Clean, well-presented and compliant
- Properly documented
- Ready for immediate occupation
Small improvements made now can lead to quicker lets and stronger tenant interest.
3. Check Compliance & Documentation
With the Renters’ Rights Act approaching, good paperwork and processes matter more than ever. January is not the time to discover something has been missed.
4. Plan Your Marketing Strategy
Professional photography, accurate descriptions and correct pricing are critical during peak demand. A strong launch often means fewer viewings are needed to secure the right tenant.
Local Demand Remains Strong Across Somerset
January demand is particularly noticeable in:
- Bridgwater – driven by infrastructure projects and employment growth
- Taunton – year-round demand from healthcare, education and professionals
- Wellington – popular with families and commuters
- Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge – lifestyle appeal with accessibility
- Weston-super-Mare – strong interest from relocators and hybrid workers
For landlords in these areas, January continues to offer an excellent opportunity to secure reliable tenants quickly.
Why Professional Management Helps During Peak Periods
January is fast-paced — and that’s where professional management really adds value.
At Andrew Lees Lettings and Gibbins Richards Lettings, our teams help landlords by:
- Managing enquiries and viewings efficiently
- Handling referencing and documentation correctly
- Ensuring compliance from day one
- Coordinating move-ins smoothly
- Reducing stress and avoiding costly mistakes
For many landlords, the busiest month of the year is also the one where expert support makes the biggest difference.
Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
January isn’t just about filling a property — it’s about setting the tone for the year ahead.
With:
- Continued regulatory change
- Increased tenant awareness
- Strong but competitive demand
Having the right systems and local expertise in place is becoming essential rather than optional.
📘 Learn More About Our Landlord Services
For full details on our management packages, fees and landlord support, 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 created by Andrew Lees Lettings & Gibbins Richards Lettings and is accurate at the time of publication. It is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, financial or professional advice.
