The beginning of 2011 has brought both a healthy influx of property and eager wannabe tenants, with demand for rental properties 30 per cent higher than the same week last year, reports Gavin Sung from Anscombes.

“We need more one-bedroom properties in all areas, especially St John’s Wood and Hampstead,” he says. Despite shortages, Sung is confident about the market ahead, to the degree of recently opening a North West house lettings department catering for high-end houses over £2000 a week.

As ever, letting quality property is key to attracting the right tenants. Jonathan Arron Residential currently has two newly redecorated and refurbished properties to let. The first is a three- bedroom end of terrace mews house with a double reception room and private patio garden at £1000 a week; while the second, a well-presented house in Abbey Road with off-street parking for three cars, is priced at £4250 a week.

Marc Schneiderman of Arlington Residential reports demand for homes between £1500 and £3000 a week. “Tenants are looking for period houses and townhouses, but it’s important property is newly refurbished so they feel they’re moving into a brand new home.”

With a shortage of property in Marylebone due to many tenants renewing – as they’re unlikely to pay less rent elsewhere – rents are being forced up, reports Graham Harris of Harris Latner.

“Yet it’s still possible to rent a fully modernised one or two-double bedroom, wooden-floored flat in the heart of the Village for between £500 and £850 a week,” he believes.

Nicole Ratzker from Aston Chase also reports a good start to the year. “Having steadily grown our rentals team over the last three years, we are confident that subject to landlords having realistic price objectives, we will continue our current level of growth, which has resulted in our turnover virtually doubling over the last two years.”