With countless property listings just a click away, it can be tempting for landlords to use sites like Rightmove, Zoopla or OnTheMarket to estimate how much their property is worth. But while property websites and databases can give you a general feel for the market, they rarely tell the full story, and relying on them alone can result in costly mistakes.
At Northern Group, we work with landlords every day who are looking to maximise their rental income, minimise void periods, and grow the value of their portfolio. One of the first, and most important, steps in achieving that is a professional property valuation carried out by a property expert. Read this blog for information on why it matters, and why online estimations don’t provide the full picture and may not be accurate.
Real-Time Data to Consider
Many landlords base their expectations on what they see listed online, but there’s a big difference between asking prices and what properties actually rent for. Online listings are often aspirational. A professional valuation takes into account real-time data, including:
• Recently let properties in your area
• Comparable property sizes, specifications, and conditions
• Local demand and seasonal rental trends
• Current tenant behaviour and budgets
Without these insights, landlords risk of overpricing, resulting in longer voids or under-pricing and not maximising the returns on their investment.
Behind Online Listings
You can’t tell everything about a property by scrolling through a listing. There are often hidden factors that can impact value, things you won’t find in the photos or floorplans. A professional agent will consider:
• How long a similar property has been on the market
• Whether it’s had previous offers fall through
• Price reductions or tenant turnover rates
• Local feedback from viewings and lettings performance
At Northern Group, we don’t just look at surface data, we look into the history behind each property and all the factors affecting property pricing, to give you an accurate, strategic valuation.
Area Specific Property Valuating
Manchester is one of the UK’s fastest growing cities, but its property market varies significantly from area to area. Different areas, even different streets, can see dramatically different levels of demand, rental potential and levels of fluctuation. Factors such as:
• New developments and regeneration schemes
• Proximity to transport links, schools, and green spaces
• Shifting trends in tenant preferences, such as pet-friendly, remote working space, furnished vs unfurnished & amenities)
• Mortgage interest rates
• Local investment and regeneration projects
…all play a role in shaping what your property is truly worth.
Our team at Northern Group are experts in Manchester property. From Ancoats and Salford to Stockport and Didsbury and everything in between, we use our local, specific knowledge to help landlords make informed decisions.
The Cost of Pricing Incorrectly
Overpricing a rental property might seem like a way to boost income, but it often leads to longer void periods, multiple price drops, and ultimately, reduced interest.
Underpricing, on the other hand, means missing out on revenue that could’ve been reinvested elsewhere in your portfolio.
With a professional valuation, you can set a price that reflects both market reality and tenant demand, helping you let your property faster and more profitably.
Valuation Strategy and Insight
A professional valuation doesn’t just help with setting the rent. It supports:
• Portfolio planning and rental yield analysis
• Investment decisions
• Mortgage refinancing or insurance requirements
• Accurate forecasting and budgeting for landlords
At Northern Group, our valuation process is part of a wider property management strategy, one that helps you stay ahead of the market and keep your investment performing at its best.
Thinking About Letting or Re-Letting Your Property?
At Northern Group, we provide free, expert rental valuations based on real-time data, local insight, and years of experience managing property across Manchester. Whether you own a single flat or a growing portfolio, our team will help you unlock your property’s full potential. Book your professional valuation today and get an accurate, data-led professionally priced property.
Fill out the form on our Landlord Services page or contact us directly:
0161 974 3232
enquiries@northerngroup.co.uk