April 23, 2026

Self-managing vs using a lettings agent: Which is better?

One of the most important decisions for any landlord concerns how to let and manage their property. Some landlords will naturally want to try and manage it themselves, others will immediately look to appoint a lettings and management agent.

‍

But which approach is better?

‍

That depends entirely on your specific circumstances! We’ve looked into the pros and cons of both approaches here to help you decide.

‍

Advantages of managing your own property

‍

The number one advantage of managing your own property is that you have total control over the standard of management. The paperwork, time to carry out repairs, communication and everything else are completely in your hands. If you are not convinced of the quality provided by professional agents, this can be a deciding factor.

‍

On the other hand, if you find you don’t have the time or expertise to provide this high level of service, your business will suffer. It is easy for landlords – especially newcomers to the industry – to underestimate the amount of work required, and overestimate how easily and quickly it can be done.

‍

Second, choosing to manage your property yourself can theoretically save on costs. A professional lettings and management agency will charge a percentage of your monthly rental income, which you can save if you do the job yourself.

‍

However, cost and value are often very different. Saving a small monthly fee up front might appeal, but you will have to spend a lot of time and money doing the job yourself. It is all dependent on your circumstances, but you should review whether you will actually save money when all factors are taken into account.

‍

Advantages of using a lettings and property

‍

A lettings and management agent provides value that is worth far more than the headline cost. They will take care of all the time-consuming tasks on your behalf, including:

Marketing your property, including access to expensive property portals
Viewings and inventories
Finding and vetting a tenant
Completing all tenancy administration
Creating EPCs
Key handovers and inspections
Rent reviews
Arranging repairs and maintenance
Financial administration

When people talk about how being a landlord is a full-time job, this is what they mean. It’s not a simple task, and there is always something else that needs taking care of immediately.

‍

On top of that, there is another layer to be aware of – the legislation and regulation angle. Landlords must comply with a whole range of laws and any mistakes can lead to fines or even prosecution in the worst circumstances.

‍

A professional lettings and management agent will have a working knowledge of all legislation and how to comply with it. They will recommend and facilitate all the steps required for you and your property to meet the requirements, so you are not at risk of negative consequences.

‍

Overall, using a lettings and property management agent is a good way to provide the best (and therefore most attractive) rental properties, save on time and get the best value out of your investment.

‍

For landlords, that can be the difference between property becoming a second job and it being the key that unlocks your lifestyle. If you bought property to ease your retirement, supplement your income or build a nest egg for your children, all of that is made possible by appointing a lettings and management agent.

‍

You can get all the benefits of being a landlord with none of the stress or work.

‍

Want to learn more about how a professional agent can help you? Contact the team today to discover our service!