London businesses are hiring, the rental market is building momentum, and January 2025 presents a golden opportunity for landlords. Anoushka Stevenson, Director of Corporate Services and Premier, popped by to tell you why you need to act now if you want to hit the corporate lettings rush.
So, grab January by the Foxtons.
The new year brings London's annual hiring surge. Companies have brand new hiring strategies to break in, and Talent Acquisition teams across the capital wade out into the talent pool to compete for top candidates. Our Corporate Services department are ready for a busy January as relocation packages begin to roll out.
Even with increased Employer National Insurance costs, confidence is a powerful factor in the capital. Recent Lloyds and KPMG surveys of 1,200 UK companies revealed 70% forecast higher profits in 2025 (Source: The Guardian). Portfolio landlords are positioning themselves now to capture this wave of corporate relocations.
Corporate & Relocation Services gained momentum in 2024
With over 20 years of experience placing tenants for businesses, Foxtons Corporate Services network is unmatched in London.
In 2024, we saw steady growth in relocations into the city, with relocation agents and companies directly requesting us to find the perfect properties for their senior management, brightest new hires, and top performers.
This meant we conducted over 3,000 corporate professionals viewing of our landlords' properties across London in 2024 alone.
London is the place to be for businesses (and their employees)
Business moves fast in London
Our Marylebone and Mayfair office exchanged a deal with an overseas company that designs and manufactures robots. We exchanged a three-year deal in just seven days.
The latest NatWest report on London's business landscape proves why companies and candidates choose our capital. London was the UK's strongest performing region, with increased business activity driving job creation through November 2024.
Our Corporate Services department works directly with the companies shaping London's future. Three of our top five most active corporate clients are tech giants, reflecting London's position as Europe's leading tech hub. The other two represent London's enduring financial prowess:
• Meta (Facebook and Instagram)
• Google
• TikTok
• Deloitte
• JPMorgan Chase & Co
From the article: London's 2024 rental market in review
What rental properties are relocation agents searching for?
A good year for the green
Our Wood Green office facilitated a deal with an engineering and construction company to house their employees during a project. The company was so impressed with how efficiently the deal was handled, they quickly engaged us again, and within two months, we exchanged an additional 16 deals with them.
The majority of corporate searches fall within the 3,000–5,000 pcm price range. While the City and East London had the highest volume of applicants looking, we placed tenants all across the greater London area – likely in the same area as your own rental property.
Companies most often offer relocation packages to senior management, so we also cater to VIP clients seeking high-end Central London properties in the £10,000–£20,000 pcm bracket.
Why to rent your property as corporate housing
Corporate lettings is a lucrative sector, providing consistently high-calibre tenants who are prepared to pay a premium for a professionally managed tenancy. Landlords prefer corporate lets for the:
• Reliable rental income – Rent is typically paid directly by the company, ensuring consistent and timely payments.
• Tenant standards – Corporate tenants tend to maintain a high level of professionalism and respect for the property.
• Premium furnishings – If you’ve got a property with something extra to offer, corporate lettings is a good market for property with premium furnishings and amenities. However, there’s no need to go shopping if your property doesn’t have the bells and whistles; we have clients looking for those too.
How to grab January by the Foxtons
Book your rental valuation now to hit the new year hiring surge:
1. Tap into Foxtons extensive network – we might already have your ideal tenant on our books. And, with an unmatched database and industry-leading tech, we can get your property in front of the right tenant at the right time.
2. Set the right price – As Gareth Atkins says, “You need to strike the right balance between market conditions, tenancy timelines and local property values. Foxtons can help determine the rental price that stimulates interest while achieving the best possible outcome for your property.”
3. Get your property corporate-ready – read: 5 ways landlords can attract corporate tenants
4. Secure your tenant before the rush – As Sarah Tonkinson says, “With the money wasted on a 10-day void, you could have hired an agent and got a tenant in. Our Negotiators know the market and applicant pool inside and out. We've got the tech, the talent and the track record to get your properties rented fast.”
While other landlords analyse their portfolios, you could be signing your next corporate tenant. Don't let this moment pass you by – grab it with Foxtons.
Source: This article draws from the extensive expertise of Anoushka Stevenson, Director of Corporate Services and Premier, as well as with her specialist team of Relationship Managers. With decades of combined experience in London's prime lettings market, corporate networks, and investment portfolios, they provide authoritative oversight of our corporate market analysis to inform your own portfolio.
If you have any questions on the article, ask a Foxtons expert.
