One of the most common questions new landlords and investors ask is whether they should manage their rental properties themselves or hand them over to a professional letting agent. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — but there are some clear pros and cons that can help you make the right decision based on your goals, location, and lifestyle.
When a Letting Agent Makes Sense
If your investment property is far from where you live, using a letting agent is almost always the best choice. Here’s why:
- Time is money: Managing a property from a distance takes far more time than most landlords expect — organising viewings, coordinating repairs, dealing with tenants and emergencies.
- No local network: Without local contacts (like tradespeople or contractors), getting issues resolved quickly becomes much harder and often more expensive.
- Tenant demand expertise: Letting agents know the local rental market inside out — they can price the property correctly, market it effectively, and ensure you find the right tenants fast.
- Compliance & legalities: Agents stay up to date with the latest legislation and safety requirements, helping you stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.
Even though it’s possible to manage remotely, the time and energy spent rarely outweigh the cost savings — especially if you plan to scale your portfolio.
💡 Top tip: Think about the value of your time. If you value your time at £50/hour, and you’re spending hours each month handling issues, outsourcing to a letting agent may actually save you money in the long run.
When Self-Management Could Work
If your property is close to home, managing it yourself becomes more realistic. Here’s when going DIY could make sense:
- You know the area: If you’re familiar with the local market, you can confidently handle pricing, tenant selection, and property viewings.
- You have local contacts: Access to reliable tradespeople makes maintenance and emergency repairs easier and cheaper.
- You want hands-on experience: For new landlords, managing your first property can be a valuable learning experience. It helps you understand tenancy agreements, legal requirements, and what’s involved day to day.
A great middle ground is to start with a letting agent for your first tenancy. You’ll learn the process, build useful contacts, and then decide whether to continue using them or take over once you feel confident.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| ✅ Using a Letting Agent | ❌ Self-Managing |
| ✔ Saves time and hassle | ❌ Requires significant time commitment |
| ✔ Access to tenant databases and marketing reach | ❌ Must handle all viewings, contracts, and maintenance |
| ✔ Professional legal & compliance support | ❌ Risk of legal errors if not fully informed |
| ✔ Often leads to faster lettings and fewer voids | ❌ Possible longer void periods if marketing isn’t strong |
| ✔ Ideal for remote properties or larger portfolios | ✔ Cost savings on management fees |
| ✔ Passive income experience | ✔ Hands-on experience and full control |
Frater Insight: Think Long-Term
If you’re planning to build a large portfolio, outsourcing management is almost inevitable. Managing one or two properties can be manageable, but as your portfolio grows, the workload scales dramatically. Most serious investors prefer to focus on finding new deals, financing, and strategy — and let property managers handle the day-to-day.
However, if you’re local and enjoy the hands-on side of property, starting out with self-management can teach you a lot and build confidence before outsourcing later.
Final Thoughts
There’s no “right” answer — the best decision depends on your personal circumstances, portfolio size, and how involved you want to be. For most landlords with remote properties or ambitious growth plans, a letting agent is the most efficient and scalable choice. For those with one or two local properties, managing them yourself can save money and provide valuable experience.
👉 Frater Property Partners Tip: Many of our investors start with an agent to learn the ropes, then decide later whether to bring management in-house. Either way, make sure your decision aligns with your long-term goals — and always value your time as part of the equation.
If you’re looking for support in finding the right deal, then get in touch for a free chat with one of the team today: https://fraterpropertypartners.com/contact/
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