September is a busy time in the lettings market, with people keen to move before the new school term begins. Jennie Parker at Aylesford International finds most good family houses and well-maintained apartments let at this time of the year.

“As well as people looking for homes near schools, we find many apartments rent now because people like to settle in prior to the autumn. The upper end of the market is always buoyant, and we have noticed an increase in properties from £700 to £1000 a week,” she says.

Due to the high number of people putting properties that are not selling up for rent, it is essential that landlords present their property in the best condition possible. “All paintwork, carpets, bathrooms and kitchens should be up-to-date and clean. Also, remember to clean all of the windows,” Parker adds.

Bective Leslie Marsh agent Kate Flynn in Chelsea says higher stock levels – up 40 per cent on last year – are good news for tenants who have a great deal of choice. “But there seems to be a gap in the market for property priced from £500 to £800 a week,” Flynn suggests. “The main enquiries we are getting are for studios and one-bedroom flats from £350 to £450, and two to three-bedroom flats from £1000 to £2000 a week.”

Brook Green continues to be popular as a friendly village where homes around the £1200 a week mark attract those who have searched in neighbouring Kensington and Notting Hill, says Anna Franklin from Bective Leslie Marsh.

“A family can rent a four to five-bedroom house with a pretty garden, double reception room and plenty of space. Nowhere in London has better transport links, there's easy parking, and it is a quick walk to schools, shops and the river,” Franklin says.