Why it Pays for Landlords to Have Funnel Vision
Landlords' focus on rent levels is understandable more than ever. Rents are rising, but (or maybe because) costs are increasing. It is no surprise that many landlords now focus heavily on achieving the highest possible figure.
Headlines talk about growth. Portals show record prices. It can feel like the obvious goal is to push rent to the absolute limit every time it’s up for review.
The problem with tunnel vision
This is what we call tunnel vision.
The focus is firmly on the immediate result: what rent can be achieved now and how quickly it can be increased. On paper, it sounds sensible. In practice, it can create problems that only show up later.
Seeing the bigger picture
Funnel vision takes a wider view.
Instead of focusing solely on this month’s rent, it considers the full tenancy lifecycle and the investment's long-term performance. Rent is important, but it is only one part of the picture.
A tenancy includes tenant quality, length of stay, property condition, compliance, communication and reputation. All of these influence profitability. A property that achieves slightly below the peak market rent but keeps reliable tenants for several years will often outperform one that constantly chases the maximum and experiences regular turnover.
The hidden cost of constant change
Every change of tenant carries a cost.
There is marketing, referencing, potential void periods, cleaning, administration and often minor repairs. More movement also increases the risk of disputes and wear and tear. When these costs are added up, the gain from squeezing rent to the very top can quickly narrow.
We have seen situations where a landlord increased the rent aggressively, lost a good long-term tenant, experienced a six-week void and then spent additional money preparing the property again. The new rent looked stronger on paper, but over twelve months, the overall return was weaker.
That is tunnel vision in action.
The role of the letting agent
This is where good advice matters.
Letting agents are not just there to list a property. They are there to guide landlords toward decisions that protect income over the long term, not just the short term. That includes realistic pricing, sensible reviews and strategies that encourage stability.
Why this matters even more now
The regulatory environment is changing.
With stronger tenant protections and higher standards, landlords who focus solely on short-term gains may face greater risk. Long-term thinking reduces surprises and builds resilience.
Long-term profit, not short-term peaks
Funnel vision is not about under-pricing property.
It is about understanding that strong returns are built through consistency. Stable tenants, fewer voids, and proactive management often create better financial outcomes than constant rent adjustments.
If you would like a realistic, long-term rental assessment for your property, we would be happy to help. We can look not just at what rent you might achieve today, but at how to protect your income, reduce risk and strengthen your investment over the years ahead.
