Is Your Property Investment Still Performing — Or Just Coasting?

3 minute read

Is Your Property Investment Still Performing — Or Just Coasting?

If you’ve owned your property for a few years, it’s very easy to slip into autopilot.

The rent comes in.
The tenant stays.
You deal with the odd repair.

And before you know it, three years have passed without a proper performance review.

So here’s the question I want you to seriously think about:

If you didn’t already own this property, would you buy it today?

If the answer isn’t a confident yes, this blog is for you.

Step 1: Review Your True Return (Not Just the Rent)

Most landlords look at one number: monthly rent.

But performance is about:

• Net yield after costs

• Maintenance trend over the last 24 months

• Void risk

• Compliance spend

• Mortgage impact (if applicable)

• Capital growth

If your costs have risen but your rent hasn’t been reviewed, your real return may have quietly reduced.

I always say - income without review becomes erosion.

And that’s not strategy.

Step 2: Assess Your Risk Exposure

Regulation is no longer something you can “catch up on later”.

Ask yourself:

• Are all certificates current and diarised properly?

• Is your tenancy agreement fully up to date?

• Is your documentation court-ready if needed?

• Do you have clear inspection records?

Small compliance gaps don’t look serious - until they are.

This isn’t about fear. It’s about protection.

And protection is part of performance.

Step 3: Check Your Equity Position

Here’s where many landlords are sitting on opportunity.

If you purchased 8–12 years ago, your capital growth could be significant.

The question becomes:

• Is your equity working hard enough?

• Could you refinance and restructure?

• Would selling release funds for a better-performing asset?

Holding isn’t always the strongest move.
Sometimes clarity creates momentum.

A Recent Conversation I Had

I recently sat down with a landlord who’d owned their property for over a decade.

Lovely long-term tenant.
No major drama.

But when we broke down:

• Net return

• Maintenance costs

• Current market value

• Buyer demand in the area

They realised the property had moved from “strong asset” to “comfortable habit”.

After reviewing their options, they chose to sell - and released capital that’s now being reinvested more strategically.

That wasn’t a forced decision.

It was an informed one.

And that’s the difference.

The Three Positions Every Landlord Is In

Right now, you are in one of these categories:

1. Optimise - improve rent, management and protection

2. Restructure - refinance or rebalance

3. Exit - release equity while demand is strong

The mistake is drifting.

Get a FREE Valuation

If you’re unsure where your property currently stands, the first step is clarity.

Get a FREE Valuation

Not a sales pitch.
Not pressure.

Just honest numbers and practical advice so you can make the right decision for you.

Book a Landlord Game Plan Call

If you’d prefer to talk it through properly, I’m offering a limited number of Landlord Game Plan Calls this month.

We’ll review:

• Your current performance

• Risk exposure

• Local buyer demand

• Your short and long-term goals

And I’ll give you straightforward advice - even if the outcome is “do nothing for now”.

Because the right strategy is always better than reaction.

If there’s anything specific you’d like me to cover regarding your property, bring it to the call.

Clarity first.
Decision second.

Best wishes,

Venessa Afonja

Director, VA Sales & Lettings