By Dave Roberts, Director, Belvoir St Helens
Becoming a landlord for the first time can feel like stepping into a whole new world. The regulations, the responsibilities, the market research — it’s a lot to take in. And if you’re investing in or letting property in St Helens, it’s worth understanding how local trends and tenant demands will affect your success.
I’m Dave Roberts, Director at Belvoir St Helens, and over the years, I’ve helped hundreds of new landlords get started. Whether you’ve just bought your first buy-to-let, inherited a property, or you’re thinking about turning your old home into a rental, this guide will give you the up-to-date knowledge you need to get things right from day one.
Why landlords are turning to St Helens in 2025
St Helens continues to offer great value for investors, especially those priced out of nearby Liverpool or Manchester. According to the latest Rightmove House Price Index, the average asking price in St Helens is around £175,000 — well below the North West average.
But it’s not just the affordability that’s attractive.
- Strong rental demand: Young professionals and families are moving to St Helens for its connectivity and affordability
- Rising rents: Zoopla’s Rental Index shows an annual increase of 8.4% in the North West, with St Helens trending upwards
- Regeneration projects: Investment in town centre infrastructure, retail, and housing is helping support capital growth
- Great transport links: Fast access to Liverpool, Manchester, and Warrington via M62 and direct rail lines
Put simply, St Helens is one of the most accessible and rewarding locations for new landlords in the region.
Your legal responsibilities as a new landlord
Letting a property isn’t just about finding tenants and collecting rent. As a landlord in 2025, you have a legal duty to provide a safe, compliant, and well-maintained home.
Here are the essentials:
1. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
By 2028, all rented homes in England will need a minimum EPC rating of C. But many lenders and tenants are already demanding this now. It’s worth upgrading sooner rather than later to avoid costly voids.
2. Gas and electrical safety
You must provide a valid Gas Safety Certificate and ensure an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is carried out at least every five years.
3. Deposit protection
Any deposit you take must be registered with a government-backed tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days of receipt.
4. Right to Rent checks
You must check all tenants have the legal right to rent in the UK. This includes viewing and recording identity documents.
5. Licensing
Some properties, particularly HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation), may need a licence. St Helens Council can advise if your property falls under any additional schemes.
Skipping or overlooking these steps can result in heavy fines — or even being banned from letting in entirely.
Managing your property: should you go it alone?
Many new landlords ask: “Should I manage the property myself, or use a letting agent?”
Here’s a quick rundown:
Let-only service:
- You handle everything after the tenant moves in
- Lower cost upfront
- You’ll be responsible for rent collection, repairs, legal compliance, and tenant issues
Fully managed service:
- We handle everything from tenant find to move-out
- Includes 24/7 maintenance support, rent collection, inspections, and legal updates
- You stay in control, but we do the heavy lifting
For most new landlords, fully managed is the safer and more cost-effective choice in the long run. It reduces risk, saves time, and helps avoid costly mistakes — especially when regulations are changing so quickly.
First-time landlord pitfalls (and how to dodge them)
We’ve seen the same mistakes catch out even the most well-meaning new landlords. Here are some of the most common, and how to avoid them:
1. Underestimating the time commitment
Even a single rental property can require hours of admin, maintenance, and tenant communication each month.
2. Choosing the wrong tenants
Skipping proper referencing or relying on gut feeling can lead to rent arrears or property damage.
3. Forgetting to budget for voids or repairs
There will be months when the property is empty or something breaks. Having a financial buffer helps.
4. Ignoring legal updates
Housing law changes all the time. Without professional support, it’s easy to fall behind and fall foul.
5. Getting emotionally attached
It’s a business, not a home. Decisions should be made with your head, not your heart.
At Belvoir St Helens, we work closely with new landlords to set expectations early and offer ongoing support to help avoid these common issues.
St Helens rental yields and returns in 2025
Let’s talk numbers.
Here’s a breakdown of average rents in St Helens based on current Zoopla and Rightmove data, as well as our own lettings activity:
| Property Type | Average Monthly Rent | Estimated Yield (Based on £175,000 purchase) |
| 1-bed flat | £650 | 4.5% – 5.2% |
| 2-bed house | £750 | 5.0% – 5.8% |
| 3-bed house | £850 | 5.5% – 6.2% |
Returns will vary based on location, property condition, and demand. That’s why working with a local agent who knows the area street by street can make a real difference.
How the right letting agent makes all the difference
A good letting agent doesn’t just find tenants — they protect your investment.
Here’s what we offer at Belvoir St Helens:
- Tailored advice for new landlords
- Accurate rental valuations based on current market trends
- Professional photography and marketing to attract quality tenants
- Full compliance management so you don’t have to stress
- Local contractor network for quick, affordable repairs
- Tenant relationship management to reduce disputes and improve renewals
In short: we do the hard work so you don’t have to.
Ready to start your landlord journey?
Becoming a landlord in St Helens in 2025 is a smart move — if you do it right. With strong tenant demand, rising rents, and relatively low entry costs, the town offers a great foundation for new investors.
But it’s not without challenges. That’s where we come in.
At Belvoir St Helens, we believe property is personal. We take the time to understand your goals, explain your options clearly, and support you every step of the way. From valuation to tenant move-in to ongoing management, our team is here to make your experience simple, stress-free and successful.
Let’s make sure your first steps as a landlord are the right ones.
Book a free rental valuation or get in touch to chat about letting your property in 2025.
