
Online Letting Agents: The Efficiently Cheaper Way to Let Your Property
I’ve been using online letting agents for over a decade now, and I haven’t looked back since I ditched my high-street agent and made the switch. I’ve saved a load of money, my waistline is slimmer, my skin is glowing, and I’m just generally more upbeat – I have no idea if it’s all related, but man, they’re awesome.
I’m definitely not the only one saying it. Online letting agents have become a popular alternative to traditional high street letting agents, with tens of thousands of landlords regularly using online services to manage their rental properties more efficiently and at a significantly lower cost.
In simple terms, online letting agents help landlords find tenants, advertise properties, and manage the lettings process, but without the high overheads of a traditional estate agency branch, meaning they’re able to charge us less! Yay!.
For many landlords, the appeal comes down to a combination of cost savings, flexibility, and control. Here are some of the key reasons why landlords are continuing to make the switch:
- Save thousands of pounds in letting agent fees
- Viewings arranged and managed online to suit your schedule
- Flexible service options to take as much or as little control of the lettings process as you want
- Advertise on the biggest UK property portals, including Rightmove and Zoopla
- Fast turnaround times, with tenant enquiries often received within days of listing
In this guide, I break down the best online letting agents in the UK, what they offer, and how to choose the right one for you and your buy-to-let property.
Quick links: What are you looking for?
List of the Best Online Letting Agents for Landlords
There are a large number of online letting agents operating across the UK, with new providers entering the market regularly. However, the companies listed below are those I personally recommend based on either direct experience or consistently strong feedback from the landlord community.
The pricing and details in this section relate specifically to tenant-find services, which are designed to help you find suitable tenants without full property management.
If you’re looking for a more hands-off approach, many of these providers also offer fully managed services. You can learn more about that option in the managed services section below.
Search Filters
Require any of the following?
- Rightmove listing
Rightmove listingAdvertise property on Rightmove (The UK's largest property portal)
X
- Zoopla listing
Zoopla listingAdvertise property on Zoopla (The UK's second largest property portal)
X
- OnTheMarket listing
OnTheMarket listingAdvertise property on OnTheMarket
X
- Tenant referencing
Tenant referencingTo ensure you stand the best chances of getting reliable tenants, your agent will reference prospective tenants, which can include credit checks and employment history.
X
- Deposit registration
Deposit registrationIn order to comply with the tenancy deposit legislation, the agent will secure the deposit on your behalf and serve required documents to your tenant.
X
- Rent collection
Rent collectionAgent will collect rent from tenant and then send it to you.
X
- Tenancy sign-up service
Tenancy sign-up serviceThe agent will draft your tenancy agreement contract and get it signed by the tenant(s) on your behalf.
X
- EPC
EPCAn Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is needed when a property sold in the UK. They are valid for 10 years, so if you already have a valid one you do not to order another.
X
- Gas safety check
Gas safety checkAgent will arrange for a gas safety check to be conducted. Landlords are legally obligated to have annual gas safety checks.
X
- EICR
EICRElectrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) are legally required for new tenancies in England. As from the 1st April 2021, all let properties will require an EICR.
X
- Photograghs
PhotograghsThe agent will arrange for a photographer to visit your property to take pictures, which can be used with your adverts. Good quality photos are important in making your property look attractive and can increase enquiries.
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- Floorplan
FloorplanThe agent will arrange for a professionally produced floorplan showing the layout and room sizes of your property. Many buyers find floorplans useful when viewing property details online.
X
- Inventory service
Inventory serviceThe agent will arrange for an independent inventory clerk to create an inventory report.
X
- Hosted viewings
Hosted viewingsA local agent will take viewings and show potential tenants around your property. Please note, some agents limit how many viewings they will take, so please read the T&C's carefully.
X
- Pay on Completion
Pay on CompletionPay on Completition means there's nothing to pay upfront until you find your perfect tenants (T&C's may apply, so please read carefully).
X
Showing 20 results out of 20
| Letting Agent | Rating | Term | Includes / Notes | Price from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hello Neighbour![]() Top Pick | RatingTrustPilot | Duration 3 months | Includes / NotesGet Listed package
| PriceDiscount priceFREE | Visit WebsiteFREE Listing Code: PIPFREE |
Quicklister![]() | RatingGoogle Reviews | Duration 6 weeks | Includes / NotesSaver package
| PriceDiscount price£26.1 Inc VAT | Visit Website10% Discount Code: 1cT2J1Ox |
OpenRent![]() | RatingGoogle Reviews | Duration 4 months | Includes / NotesPortal Advertising package
| Price£29 Inc VAT | Visit Website |
Hello Neighbour![]() | RatingTrustPilot | Duration 3 months | Includes / NotesGet Rented package
| PriceDiscount price£30 Inc VAT | Visit Website£29 Discount Code: PIPFREE |
Quicklister![]() | RatingGoogle Reviews | Duration 6 weeks | Includes / NotesExposure package
| PriceDiscount price£35.1 Inc VAT | Visit Website10% Discount Code: 1cT2J1Ox |
99Home![]() | RatingTrustPilot Reviews | Duration 3 months | Includes / NotesExpress package
| PriceDiscount price£37.05 Inc VAT | Visit Website5% Discount Code: PIPExp5 |
I Am The Agent![]() | RatingTrustPilot Reviews | Duration 14 days | Includes / NotesSpeedy package
| PriceDiscount price£58.5 Inc VAT | Visit Website10% Discount Code: propinv21 |
OpenRent![]() | RatingGoogle Reviews | Duration 4 months | Includes / NotesRent Now package
| Price£59 Inc VAT | Visit Website |
Visum![]() | RatingTrustPilot Reviews | Duration 3 months | Includes / NotesBasic package
| PriceDiscount price£59 Inc VAT | Visit Website£15 Discount Code: PIP1 |
Emoov![]() | RatingTrustPilot Reviews | Duration 3 months | Includes / NotesLet Your Property package
| Price£59.5 Inc VAT | Visit Website |
Emoov![]() | RatingTrustPilot Reviews | Duration 3 months | Includes / NotesLet Plus package
| Price£79.5 Inc VAT | Visit Website |
Visum![]() | RatingTrustPilot Reviews | Duration 3 months | Includes / NotesPlus package
| PriceDiscount price£84 Inc VAT | Visit Website£15 Discount Code: PIP1 |
I Am The Agent![]() | RatingTrustPilot Reviews | Duration 28 days | Includes / NotesBasic package
| PriceDiscount price£90 Inc VAT | Visit Website10% Discount Code: propinv21 |
99Home![]() | RatingTrustPilot Reviews | Duration 3 months | Includes / NotesStandard package
| PriceDiscount price£94.05 Inc VAT | Visit Website5% Discount Code: PIPLSTN5 |
I Am The Agent![]() | RatingTrustPilot Reviews | Duration 60 days | Includes / NotesEssential package
| PriceDiscount price£139.5 Inc VAT | Visit Website10% Discount Code: propinv21 |
Visum![]() | RatingTrustPilot Reviews | Duration 6 months | Includes / NotesPremium package
| PriceDiscount price£184 Inc VAT | Visit Website£15 Discount Code: PIP1 |
Letting a Property![]() | RatingGoogle Reviews | Duration 2 months | Includes / NotesFind a Tenant package
| PriceDiscount price£189 Inc VAT | Visit Website£10 Discount Code: PIP10 |
99Home![]() | RatingTrustPilot Reviews | Duration 3 months | Includes / NotesPremium package
| PriceDiscount price£189.05 Inc VAT | Visit Website5% Discount Code: PIPLSTN5 |
I Am The Agent![]() | RatingTrustPilot Reviews | Duration 60 days | Includes / NotesUltimate package
| PriceDiscount price£256.5 Inc VAT | Visit Website10% Discount Code: propinv21 |
Letting a Property![]() | RatingGoogle Reviews | Duration 12 months | Includes / NotesRent Collect package
*Price varies by payment plan (annual or monthly) and rental income. Price shown reflects the annual plan and includes a £149 setup fee; the monthly plan setup fee is £199. | PriceDiscount price*£677.2 Inc VAT | Visit Website£10 Discount Code: PIP10 |
Please note, I try my best to keep the information of each service up-to-date, but you should read the T&C's from their website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Other Popular Services
Just in case you’re in the market for a couple of other competitive quotes for popular letting services…
Table of Contents
- What Is an Online Letting Agent?
- How Online Letting Agents Work
- High Street Letting Agents vs Online Letting Agents
- Fixed-Fee Full Property Management Services
- Online Letting Agents and Consumer Protection
- Top Tips for Using an Online Letting Agent
- Which Is the Best Online Letting Agent?
- Why Online Letting Agents Are a Great Option for Landlords
- Do I Need to Conduct My Own Viewings?
- Are Online Letting Agents Suitable for First-Time Landlords?
- Using Both Online and High Street Letting Agents
- Final Thoughts on Online Letting Agents
What Is an Online Letting Agent?
Online letting agents are property letting services that operate entirely online, without any high-street branches you can walk into. Instead, they run from centralised offices and deliver their services through their website and digital platforms.
Because they don’t have expensive physical branches, their overheads are significantly lower than traditional high-street letting agents. This is exactly why they can offer much cheaper ways for landlords to find tenants – like, massively cheaper – a fraction of the cost.
At their core, online letting agents still have the same goal as traditional letting agents: to find suitable tenants for a rental property as quickly as possible. The difference is how they do it.
They achieve this by marketing rental properties across major UK property portals, where most tenants are actively searching for homes.
In order to get listed, you simply need to pay a small fixed fee and upload your BTL property details onto the online agent’s website. The online agent will then distribute your property details across multiple property portals, including Rightmove, ensuring your property appears in Rightmove’s search results.
When prospective tenants make an enquiry through one of the property portals, the landlord receives it directly and can then schedule and conduct viewings with them. The final step is for the landlord to select the most suitable applicant.
Optional add-on services
Some online letting agents also offer optional extras, including:
- Hosted or accompanied viewings (typically around £300 extra)
- Tenant referencing services
- Digital tenancy agreements and documentation
- Account manager or customer support assistance
However, most landlords opt to handle viewings themselves, as this is where the biggest cost savings are made.
Reputable online letting agents are not just automated platforms. Most provide dedicated customer support teams that can be contacted via phone or email to assist with the letting process.
Originally, online letting agents focused purely on tenant-find (advertising-only) services. However, many have now expanded to include fully managed letting packages that compete directly with traditional high-street agents.
These can include services such as:
- Rent collection
- Maintenance coordination
- Full property management
If you’re looking for a more hands-off solution, it may be worth exploring the online letting agents that offer fully managed services section.
How Online Letting Agents Work
Using a tenant-find online letting service is usually straightforward:
- Sign up and list your property – Pay a fixed fee and upload your property details via the platform.
- Portal distribution – Your listing is advertised across major sites such as Rightmove and Zoopla.
- Enquiries come directly to you – Prospective tenants contact the landlord directly (in most cases).
- Viewings and selection – You arrange and conduct viewings, then choose the most suitable tenant.
From a purely functional point of view, here’s a cool (and short) video produced by Quicklister, demonstrating how landlords can use their service to upload their property details, get it shared across the biggest property portals (e.g. Rightmove & Zoopla) and manage enquiries, viewings and referencing via a dashboard interface. It’s pretty sweet.
By and large, it’s how most online letting agents work so it provides a good overview of what you can expect. Easy and efficient.
High Street Letting Agents vs Online Letting Agents
In terms of services, online letting agents can now offer most of what high-street letting agents provide. For example, many online agents offer hosted viewings, professional photography, rent collection services, and more. Essentially, all the core services you’d expect from a traditional letting agent.
However, there are still some key differences between the two models (in my opinion):
- Shop-front / face-to-face service – High-street agents offer a physical office where you can speak to someone in person. So, if things go wrong, you can technically walk into their branch and express your dissatisfaction face-to-face.
With an online letting agent, communication is typically limited to phone, email, or chat support — so your strongest weapon is a strongly worded email rather than a dramatic in-branch confrontation.
That said, face-to-face service does provide reassurance for some landlords, and I completely understand why. For some, the lack of physical presence is a deal-breaker. I felt similarly at first, but over time I realised I personally don’t need that level of contact, especially when weighed against the cost savings.
- Price – This is where the gap becomes most obvious.
High-street letting agents typically charge a percentage of the rental income. For example, if your rent is £1,000pcm, and the agent charges 10% of the annual rent, that’s £1,200 to find a tenant.
When you compare that to online letting agents, the difference is significant. Most online letting agents operate on a fixed-fee basis (for example, £45 upfront), plus optional add-ons such as gas safety certificates, EPCs, or professional photography.
There are usually no percentage-based commissions, which makes costs far more predictable and, in many cases, substantially cheaper.
- Enquiry management – Unless you opt for a fully managed service, most online letting agents do not handle enquiries or viewings on your behalf.
High-street agents typically include enquiry handling and viewings as part of their standard service — although this is reflected in their higher fees.
- Local knowledge – High-street agents often emphasise their “local knowledge” as a key advantage, while online agents operate remotely from central offices.
In reality, it’s debatable how much of a competitive advantage this really is. Most tenants already research areas extensively online, including transport links, schools, amenities, and crime rates, before even booking a viewing.
That said, local knowledge may still help in certain niche cases, which is why it’s often included as a selling point by traditional agents.
Fixed-Fee Full Property Management Services
The table above shows pricing and details for “tenant-find” services, which are primarily aimed at landlords who are willing to deal directly with tenants and take full control of the letting process.
And yes, while I’ve made it clear that this is where I believe the best value lies, I also appreciate that some landlords simply don’t want the hassle and would prefer a more hands-off approach.
Fortunately, as mentioned, several of the agents listed also offer fully managed packages – while still retaining the same fixed-fee pricing model, making them a more affordable alternative to traditional high-street letting agents.
It doesn’t matter whether your rental property generates £5,000 PCM or £500 PCM – the online fully managed letting services listed below charge the same low fixed fee, unlike traditional high-street letting agents, which typically charge a percentage of rental income.
If a fully managed service is more your preference, I would personally recommend the agents and packages listed below.
And the best part (besides the low fixed monthly fees)? Unlike high-street agents, many of these services operate on flexible month-to-month contracts, meaning you’re not tied into long-term agreements.
Search Filters
Require any of the following?
- Tenant-find service
Tenant-find serviceThe premium listing is a popular upgrade which increases exposure to your Rightmove listing by highlighting it in the search results. Rightmove say Premium listings on average 35% more click-throughs than regular listings.
X
- Hosted viewings
Hosted viewingsA local agent will take viewings and show potential tenants around your property. Please note, some agents limit how many viewings they will take, so please read the T&C's carefully.
X
- Rent collection
Rent collectionAgent will collect rent from tenant and then send it to you.
X
- Inventory service
Inventory serviceThe agent will arrange for an independent inventory clerk to create an inventory report.
X
- 24/7 customer service
24/7 customer service24/7 customer support available.
X
- Home emergency cover
Home emergency coverHome Emergency insurance cover is a policy protecting against unexpected incidents such as leaks, boiler breakdowns, loss of keys and sudden loss of electrical or gas supply.
X
- Rent protection / guarantee
Rent protection / guaranteeIncludes some form of rent guarantee and/or protection, so you're protected against rent arrears.
X
- Repairs & maintenance management
Repairs & maintenance managementAgent will manage repairs and maintenance issues.
X
- Routine inspection
Routine inspectionAgent will conduct routine inspection(s).
X
- Eviction support
Eviction supportAgent will support and/or manage end of tenancies and evictions.
X
- Legal compliance & assistance
Legal compliance & assistanceAgent will assist with any legal matters and help comply with your landlord legal obligations.
X
Showing 6 results out of 6
| Letting Agent | Rating | Term | Includes / Notes | Price from | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Letting a Property![]() | RatingGoogle Reviews | Duration 12 months | Includes / NotesRent Collect package
More detailsMore features included
*Price
+ One-time upfront setup fee of £149 (£139 with our discount code), which covers 8 weeks of marketing. Monthly service charges begin once a tenant has been secured.
+ One-time upfront setup fee of £199 (£189 with our discount code), which covers 8 weeks of marketing. Monthly service charges begin once a tenant has been secured. | PriceDiscount pricePER MONTH*£44 Inc VAT | Visit WebsiteBook a call to discuss£10 Discount Code: PIP10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
99Home![]() | RatingTrustPilot Reviews | Duration Month by month | Includes / NotesSilver package
More details*Price breakdown
More features included
| PriceDiscount pricePER MONTH*£49.50 Inc VAT | Visit Website10% Discount Code: 99PIP10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Letting a Property![]() | RatingGoogle Reviews | Duration 12 months | Includes / NotesRent Assured package
More detailsMore features included
*Price
+ One-time upfront setup fee of £149 (£139 with our discount code), which covers 8 weeks of marketing. Monthly service charges begin once a tenant has been secured.
+ One-time upfront setup fee of £99 (£189 with our discount code), which covers 8 weeks of marketing. Monthly service charges begin once a tenant has been secured. | PriceDiscount pricePER MONTH*£62 Inc VAT | Visit WebsiteBook a call to discuss£10 Discount Code: PIP10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Letting a Property![]() | RatingGoogle Reviews | Duration 12 months | Includes / NotesComplete Care package
More detailsMore features included
*Price
+ One-time upfront setup fee of £149 (£139 with our discount code), which covers 8 weeks of marketing. Monthly service charges begin once a tenant has been secured.
+ One-time upfront setup fee of £199 (£189 with our discount code), which covers 8 weeks of marketing. Monthly service charges begin once a tenant has been secured. | PriceDiscount pricePER MONTH*£89 Inc VAT | Visit WebsiteBook a call to discuss£10 Discount Code: PIP10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
99Home![]() | RatingTrustPilot Reviews | Duration Month by month | Includes / NotesGold package
More details*Price breakdown
More features included
| PriceDiscount pricePER MONTH*£89.10 Inc VAT | Visit Website10% Discount Code: 99PIP10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
99Home![]() | RatingTrustPilot Reviews | Duration Month by month | Includes / NotesPlatinum package
More details*Price breakdown
More features included
| PriceDiscount pricePER MONTH*£116.10 Inc VAT | Visit Website10% Discount Code: 99PIP10 |
Please note, I try my best to keep the information of each agent up-to-date, but you should read the T&C’s from the agents’ website for the most up-to-date information.
Online Letting Agents and Consumer Protection
Putting aside the fact that I don’t think landlords or tenants have enough protection when dealing with any type of letting agent, it’s important to make it clear that both online and high-street letting agents must be members of a government-approved redress scheme.
If they’re not, they’re operating illegally and should be avoided at all costs.
Essentially, all letting agents are required to be regulated in order to ensure basic consumer protection. Importantly, you don’t get any more or less protection depending on whether you use an online or high-street agent.
If you experience any issues with an agent, the relevant redress scheme should be your first port of call for raising a formal complaint.
It should also be clearly stated on the agent’s website (or shop front, in the case of high-street agents) which scheme they are a member of.
Top Tips for Using an Online Letting Agent
- Photos matter. A lot! – I’m not here to tell anyone how to spend their money, but I can’t stress enough how important high-quality, well-lit photographs are when it comes to maximising interest.
If you don’t have any and don’t have the equipment to take them (an iPhone alone isn’t always enough), then investing in a professional photography package is usually a smart move with strong potential ROI.
- Don’t start the search too early – It’s generally not advisable to start advertising your property several months before it becomes available, as plans can change and the likelihood of delays or cancellations is high.
The rental market also moves quickly, meaning pricing and demand conditions can shift significantly over time.
As a rule of thumb, I usually start advertising around 6-8 weeks before availability.
- Don’t prematurely stop advertising – A tenancy is not secured until:
- Deposit is paid
- First month’s rent is received
- Contracts are signed
- The tenant has moved in
I personally don’t stop marketing until all of the above are confirmed.
Pulling listings too early can also mean having to pay again to relist the property if the deal falls through.
- Get listed on Rightmove & Zoopla – Rightmove and Zoopla are the two largest property portals in the UK and will typically generate the highest level of enquiries.
Almost all online letting agents offer listings on these platforms, either as part of their core package or as optional add-ons. Whichever agent you choose, ensure it includes advertising your rental property on Rightmove & Zoopla
- Include key tenancy details – To avoid wasting time on unsuitable enquiries, make sure your listing clearly includes key terms such as:
- Length of tenancy (if applicable)
- Monthly rent
- Bills included or excluded
- Furnished or unfurnished
- Deposit amount
- Know your local market first – Before signing up to a marketing package, research comparable properties on Rightmove and Zoopla to understand local demand, pricing, and competition.
This can help you position your property more competitively. For example, adjusting your asking price in areas with high supply.
- Tenant referencing is essential – Most online letting agents include tenant referencing or offer it as an add-on. Proper tenant referencing is essential and can save significant stress and financial risk.
However, while these services are useful for credit and income checks, they shouldn’t be relied on alone. Additional due diligence is always recommended. Here’s my full guide on how to thoroughly screen tenants.
- Review tenancy agreements carefully – Many online letting agents provide standardised tenancy agreements. Always read these carefully to ensure they are suitable for your specific situation before using them.
- Respond to enquiries quickly – The rental market moves fast, so prompt communication is key. Delayed responses often result in prospective tenants moving on.
- Update your listing if interest is low – If enquiries are slow, don’t be afraid to refresh your listing – update photos, reorder images (especially the main photo), and refine your description.
Side note: this only works on the basis that you’re not trying to flog a turd – or even worse – an overpriced turd, in which case, you need to address the fundamental issue(s), as no amount of optimisation will fix the underlying issue.
Which Is the Best Online Letting Agent?
I wish I could give you a definitive answer, but I can’t.
In short, I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the agents I’ve listed – that’s based on the assumption that you understand exactly what you’re getting with an online letting agent, which is precisely why they made my shortlist.
They all check the following boxes (which I consider important factors):
- Good ratings on impartial review platforms (e.g. TrustPilot)
- Advertise on Rightmove & Zoopla
- Fixed prices (so you know exactly how much you will pay)
- Reputable
- UK based support
- Responsive (whenever I reach out to them for information)
- Registered company on Companies House
- Member of a redress scheme (e.g. Property Ombudsman, Trading Standards etc.)
I have used several of these online letting agents to find tenants in the past (and continue to use them when needed), and the reality is they all did exactly what they said on the tin.
They marketed my property on the biggest property portals in the UK, generated a strong volume of enquiries, and ultimately helped secure tenants quickly – all for a very reasonable fixed fee with no hidden costs. In short, they delivered exactly what I expected.
In my opinion, as long as you use an online letting agent that will list your BTL on Rightmove and Zoopla, you stand a strong chance of efficiently achieving your goal – namely, generating quality tenant enquiries and securing a let quickly.
Promos: I get handed a lot of exclusive discount codes – ones you won’t find anywhere else – so there’s no shame in opting for an online agent with the best current offer. At the moment, Hello-Neighbour is offering the best deal by a county mile, so they’re currently my no-brainer. So you can call them “the best” today, if you want.
But no, not all online agents are made equal!
Online letting agents can differ significantly in the extra services they offer, and that can absolutely play a key role in your decision.
For example, while Hello-Neighbour, Visum and QuickLister are strong options for basic tenant-find services (primarily focused on getting your property listed on Rightmove & Zoopla to generate enquiries), other platforms such as LettingAProperty offer more comprehensive managed services, including rent collection, maintenance coordination, and emergency support.
Ultimately, the “best” online letting agent often depends on the level of service you require. Some providers simply won’t offer the level of support you need if you’re looking for a fully managed solution.
Once you’ve applied your filters, you may find yourself left with just a few suitable options. At that point, I’d recommend comparing pricing and carrying out further due diligence – particularly by reading independent reviews. In most cases, one option will stand out.
It’s also worth remembering that one of the biggest advantages of online tenant-find services is flexibility. You’re typically not locked into long-term contracts, meaning you can remove your listing if you’re unhappy with the service.
That’s a key difference compared to traditional high-street letting agents, who often require longer contractual commitments and charge exit fees if you want to leave early.
Promotions and Discount Codes
I regularly come across exclusive discount codes for online letting agents – often offers you won’t find anywhere else – and there’s no shame or harm in choosing an agent based on the best current deal.
At the moment, Hello Neighbour is offering one of the strongest promotions available, with discount codes that give you access to a free tenant-find service (no strings attached), making it a standout option right now.
Because of that, it’s fair to say they currently offer the most competitive entry points into the market – at least based on price alone.
Why Online Letting Agents Are a Great Option for Landlords
There’s often debate between traditional high-street letting agents and online letting agents, but a lot of it comes down to misunderstanding what each service actually offers, in my view.
Online letting agents aren’t trying to replicate a high-street experience – they’re offering a different, lower-cost model designed for landlords who want more control and fewer fees. With that in mind, here are the key reasons they continue to grow in popularity:
- Lower costs without sacrificing exposure – Online letting agents can list properties on major portals like Rightmove and Zoopla, but at a fraction of the cost of traditional high-street agents.
- Flexibility and control for landlords – Landlords can choose how involved they want to be, from fully self-managed tenant-find services to more hands-off, managed options.
- A different service model (not a worse one) – Online agents are not trying to replace high-street agents – they operate differently. They’re better suited to landlords who don’t require face-to-face support or full-service management.
- Transparent pricing structures – Most online letting agents operate on fixed fees, which makes costs predictable and easier to compare compared to percentage-based high-street commissions.
- Designed for modern landlords – With most tenants searching online, the marketing channels used by online agents are the same core platforms used by traditional agencies — just delivered more efficiently.
- Expectations matter – Many negative experiences come from landlords expecting a full high-street style service at a discounted price. Understanding what you are (and aren’t) paying for is key to a positive outcome.
Do I Need to Conduct My Own Viewings?
Nope, not necessarily. Some online letting agents offer an optional “hosted viewings” service, but in my opinion, that slightly defeats the purpose of using an online agent in the first place. The main cost savings typically come from landlords conducting viewings themselves.
If you choose to take your own viewings (which is usually the most cost-effective option), you might understandably have concerns about “selling” the property, especially if you’re not confident speaking to strangers or don’t consider yourself a natural salesperson.
While I can’t magically remove any anxiety around viewings, there are a few points worth keeping in mind that can make the process feel much less daunting – shared from personal experience as an introvert.
- There’s not much “selling” involved – If a prospective tenant falls in love with a property during a viewing, they will usually make an offer – provided you come across as friendly and reasonable. The property largely speaks for itself.
- Market conditions often work in your favour – In many areas, demand for rental properties is strong and supply is limited. In these conditions, properties tend to let quickly without any hard selling required.
- Viewings are often safer and simpler than you think – I’ve written an in-depth guide on why landlords should conduct their own viewings, which may help put your mind at ease.
- You can always get help – If you’re unsure, you can ask a friend or family member to accompany you during viewings for extra reassurance.
In most cases, conducting viewings simply involves showing prospective tenants around the property and answering a few basic questions about the home and tenancy terms, nothing overly sales-driven or complex.
Are Online Letting Agents Suitable for First-Time Landlords?
Lordy, if I was given a donut for every time I’ve been asked this question, I’d be one very rotund individual.
Don’t hate me for this, but… *it depends*
I know, I know, that’s about as useful as a chocolate teapot.
But sadly, it’s the truth.
To make it easier to digest, let’s break it down properly.
What actually determines whether online letting agents are right for you?
- It depends more on your approach than your experience level – Suitability isn’t really about whether you’re a first-time landlord or experienced – it’s about how hands-on you want to be.
- Hands-on landlords tend to benefit most from online agents – If you’re willing to handle viewings, communicate with tenants, and stay on top of basic management tasks, online tenant-find services can offer excellent value and save thousands in fees.
- Hands-off landlords may prefer high-street agents – If you want someone to manage everything, guide you through compliance, and take full control of the process, a traditional letting agent may be a better fit – at a higher cost.
- First-time landlords can absolutely use online agents – Many do. In fact, plenty of first-time landlords find the process surprisingly straightforward once they’ve done a bit of research and due diligence. Some have even shared success stories after using this guide, highlighting how easy the process was and how much money they saved – it’s brilliant!
- Compliance concerns are common (and understandable) – Most hesitation comes from uncertainty around legal obligations such as safety checks, EPCs, and regulations – not the agent model itself.
- Support and resources are widely available – Most online letting agents offer guidance, and there are also plenty of independent resources available to help landlords understand compliance and processes. I have a whole section dedicated to helping landlords with compliance.
- The legal responsibility always remains with the landlord – Regardless of which agent you use, compliance is ultimately your responsibility. No letting agent removes that obligation.
Bottom line: the answer depends less on whether you’re a first-time landlord, and more on what kind of landlord you want to be. If you’re comfortable being involved and doing a bit of the legwork, online letting agents can be a very cost-effective option.
Using Both Online and High Street Letting Agents at the Same Time
When people talk about online letting agents and high-street letting agents, it’s often framed as an either/or decision. That’s definitely not the case
For landlords who are unsure about fully committing to an online service, one practical approach is to use both types of agent at the same time.
Here’s how that can work in practice:
- List with an online letting agent – Pay a low fixed fee (often around £45–£100) to advertise your property on major portals like Rightmove and Zoopla.
- Instruct a high-street agent at the same time – In many cases, high-street agents only charge a fee if they successfully source a tenant, meaning you’re not necessarily paying upfront twice (but check the terms).
- Compare performance in real time – Whichever route finds a suitable tenant first effectively “wins”, and you can proceed with that application.
- Keep risk low – If the high-street agent wins, your only additional cost is the online listing fee, which is relatively small in the context of securing a tenancy.
- Maintain flexibility – If you initially opt for a tenant-find service online but later decide you want full management support, you can still appoint a letting agent to take over ongoing management.
This approach makes it clear that it doesn’t have to be an either/or decision. In some cases, using both simultaneously can help landlords test the market, reduce costs, and choose the best outcome with minimal risk.
Final Thoughts on Online Letting Agents
Online letting agents are no longer a niche alternative – they’ve become a genuine mainstream option for landlords who want to reduce costs and stay in control of the letting process.
In terms of marketing, they can offer the same core exposure as traditional high-street agents, particularly through major property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla, but at a significantly lower fixed cost. The trade-off is that landlords are usually expected to take on more responsibility, such as handling viewings and managing enquiries.
For some landlords, that extra involvement won’t be ideal, or logistically feasible (i.e. long-distant landlords). For others, it’s exactly what makes the model so attractive – more control, more flexibility, and far lower fees.
Ultimately, there is no single “best” option that suits everyone. The right choice depends on your budget, how hands-on you want to be, and how comfortable you are managing parts of the letting process yourself.
If you understand what you’re getting into, online letting agents can be a highly cost-effective way to let a property in the UK without compromising on exposure or reach.
Needless to say, online agents’ low prices have been causing havoc for high-street agents, and I don’t see it getting any easier for them.
Landlord out xo
Disclaimer: I'm just a landlord blogger; I'm 100% not qualified to give legal or financial advice. I'm a doofus. Any information I share is my unqualified opinion, and should never be construed as professional legal or financial advice. You should definitely get advice from a qualified professional for any legal or financial matters. For more information, please read my full disclaimer.
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@Nicola I'm interested in responses as I'm in the same boat.
I already use online provider Howsy - they do viewings, photos and very basic managment but it's a pretty barebones experience. I'm looking for proactive/hands-on support with good customer experience. Thinking of making the jump to uPad, which seems a little more "premium" but hard to really know until trying. Maybe you can take a look if you haven't already.
Please share here with who you end up selecting and why - thanks :)