When you think about rental income, the money earned from leasing out a property to tenants. Also known as buy to let income, it's one of the most direct ways to build long-term wealth through property. But here’s the truth: most people focus only on the rent amount and miss the bigger picture. What matters isn’t just how much you collect each month—it’s what’s left after repairs, taxes, void periods, and management fees. A property that brings in £1,500 a month might only net you £600 after costs. That’s the real number you need to track.
Rental yield, the percentage return you get on your property investment each year tells you if a place is actually worth buying. A high rent doesn’t mean a high yield—if you paid £400,000 for a flat that rents for £1,500/month, your annual yield is just 4.5%. That’s average. But if you bought a similar flat for £200,000, your yield jumps to 9%. That’s where the real profit lives. And it’s not just about location. Landlord earnings, the net profit after all expenses from renting out a property depend on how well you manage maintenance, choose tenants, and avoid legal traps. A bad tenant can cost you more than a month’s rent in repairs and court fees. And if you’re not setting aside money for repairs, you’re not really making profit—you’re just delaying a loss.
Many landlords think they need luxury properties to make good money. But the data shows something different. Simple, well-maintained homes in good areas with reliable tenants often outperform flashy apartments in expensive cities. Why? Because they stay rented longer, attract responsible people, and cost less to fix. You don’t need a penthouse to get strong rental income—you need a solid understanding of your costs, your market, and your tenant profile.
Below, you’ll find real guides from people who’ve been there—how to calculate your true earnings, what repairs eat into your profits, how to spot a good tenant before they move in, and why some areas give you more bang for your buck. No fluff. Just what works.
