Willesden Green Rental Market 2025: Rents at Record Highs - But for How Long?

Willesden Green Rental Market 2025: Rents at Record Highs, But for How Long?

Willesden Green's rental market has had quite a ride over the past few years, but 202 tells a different story. Rents are still at record levels, but the crazy double-digit increases we saw during the pandemic are well and truly over.

If you're a landlord in the area, you're in a solid position. Properties are letting quickly, and there's good demand from tenants who appreciate what Willesden Green offers. The rental growth we saw in 2022 and 2023 was exceptional, the kind of increases that rarely happen. Now we're back to more typical market conditions, which actually means more stability for everyone involved.

Current Rent Levels in Willesden Green

If you're looking to rent in Willesden Green right now, you're looking at roughly £1,875 a month on average across different property types. That puts it in a decent spot compared to the rest of Brent, where the average is £2,031 per month according to the latest government figures.

Breaking that down to weekly costs, you're talking about £432 a week. It's not cheap, but it's still more reasonable than some of the pricier parts of the borough. You get good transport links without paying Kilburn prices, which explains why it's popular with people working in central London who want a bit more space for their money.

What makes Willesden Green attractive is that sweet spot between location and value. You're not paying the premium you'd expect in somewhere like Kilburn, but you're still well connected to central London. It works particularly well for young professionals and families who want space and a proper community feel without the central London price tag.

If you're a landlord thinking about property management services, getting your rental pricing right in this market is more important than ever. It's about finding that balance between maximising your return and keeping your property competitive.

Recent 12-Month Trends - Growth Finally Cooling

Here's where things get interesting. Rental growth in Brent has virtually stopped at just 0.1% year-on-year, which is a world away from what we saw in 2024. Meanwhile, London overall was still seeing 7.7% growth, and there were periods in 2024 when some areas experienced much higher growth.

This shows just how much the Brent market has cooled down. Rents have basically flatlined, a massive change from the pandemic years, when market conditions meant rents rose significantly.

It's not just Brent either. Even the posh areas are seeing rent growth slow down across London. This isn't about local factors, it's the whole market hitting a wall regarding what people can afford.

If you're trying to understand your responsibilities as a landlord in this climate, the key is to understand that keeping good tenants is more valuable than chasing maximum rents.

Managing Rising Housing Costs

This is one of the challenges facing the rental market right now. Based on the average London salary of around £3,950 a month and Brent's average rent of £2,031, people spend roughly 51% of their income on rent. That's before you even consider council tax, utilities, or eating.

This represents a significant portion of income going on rent that's way above what housing experts recommend as sustainable (usually around 30% maximum).

The thing is, rent isn't the only expense tenants have to worry about. Once you add council tax, gas, electricity, and the basic cost of living, you're looking at 65% or more of someone's take-home pay going on housing costs. This level of financial pressure creates challenges for both tenants and landlords.

If you price your property too high, you'll have longer void periods and higher tenant turnover. People vote with their feet when rents become unaffordable. If you're considering letting your property, understanding what tenants can actually afford is more important than ever.

Demand vs Supply - The Fundamental Imbalance

Despite all this talk about cooling growth, there's still a fundamental shortage of rental properties. Zoopla's latest data shows there are 17% more properties available than last year, which sounds good until you realise we're still 20% down on pre-pandemic levels.

On the demand side, things have calmed down a bit. Rental demand is 16% lower than last year but still 60% higher than before Covid hit. So, whilst we're not seeing the mad scramble for properties we had in 2022, there's still plenty of competition for decent places.

The good news for landlords is that properties are still letting reasonably quickly. The latest data shows void periods averaging around 18-24 days across different regions, with London typically on the shorter end at around 18 days.

If you're trying to navigate all this as a landlord, our landlords' FAQs cover most of the common questions about managing properties in the current market.

What's Driving the Market Slowdown

So what's behind this slowdown? Basically, tenants have hit their limit on what they can afford. Unlike during the pandemic when people were desperate and had limited choices, the market is back to something more normal. Tenants have time to shop around and compare prices, which puts natural pressure on landlords to be realistic about rents.

The other factor is that London already has the most expensive rents in the country. When households are struggling with the cost of everything from energy bills to groceries, housing becomes the obvious place to try to save money, even if that means commuting further or accepting a smaller place.

Rent Forecast - What Landlords Should Watch Next

Interest Rates and What They Mean for Landlords

Interest rates are important for anyone with a mortgage. If you took out a fixed-rate deal during the low-rate years and it's coming up for renewal now, you're looking at an increase in rate. Higher rates makes it a bit more challenging for landlords to expand their portfolios or for new investors to enter the market. The Bank of England's decisions on rates affect the rental market within six months, so it's worth keeping an eye on what they're doing.

New Rules Coming That Will Affect Landlords

There are some pretty significant changes heading our way. The Renters' Reform Bill is removing Section 21 evictions, the so-called "no-fault" evictions. This is massive news for landlords because it completely changes how you can end tenancies. It'll probably mean more paperwork and compliance costs.

Then there's the EPC regulations. By 2028, rental properties must meet higher energy efficiency standards, and more than half of current rental properties don't meet the required standard. We're talking about thousands to upgrade many properties, which is potentially a big investment upfront.

Other Things Worth Watching

The broader economy obviously affects how much rent people can afford. If unemployment increases or wage growth stays flat, expect more pressure on rents. On the flip side, if people start earning more, there might be room for modest rent increases.

Some new housing developments are also coming to the area. The College Green scheme and Brent Cross development should eventually add more rental options, though they're probably not going to make much difference in 2025.

Market Reality and Key Messaging

For Landlords

You're still in a reasonable position. Properties are letting within sensible timeframes, and there's steady demand out there, just not the intense competition we saw a couple of years ago. The key now is building stable, long-term tenancies rather than frequent rent reviews because keeping good tenants benefits everyone in the long run.
Keep an eye on the regulatory changes coming down the line, though. Section 21 and the EPC requirements could shake things up a bit.

For Investors

Willesden Green is in a good spot, you're not paying Kilburn prices, but you're still well connected. It works for young professionals, families, and anyone who wants to live somewhere with a bit of character without breaking the bank.
Just don't expect the rental growth we saw in 2022 and 2023. Those days are gone. You need to think about total returns now, not just rent increases year on year.

The Reality Check

The bottom line is that rents have hit a ceiling that most people simply can't afford to go beyond. Willesden Green is settling into a more normal pattern after the pandemic, but the shortage of rental properties still favours landlords.
Success now is about understanding what tenants want and can afford, rather than just riding the wave of general rent increases across London.

Need expert guidance on Willesden Green property investment? Contact our local specialists for personalised market insights and property management services tailored to the current market conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the average rent in Willesden Green in 2025?

The average rent across all property types in Willesden Green is approximately £1,875 per month (£432 per week), positioning it competitively within Brent borough.

Is Willesden Green a good investment for landlords?

Yes, but with caveats. The area offers strong transport links, diverse tenant demand, and relatively quick letting times. However, investors should expect moderate growth rather than the explosive increases seen in recent years.

How does Willesden Green compare to nearby areas like Kilburn?

Willesden Green offers better value than premium areas like Kilburn whilst maintaining excellent connectivity. It attracts tenants seeking space and a community feel without paying central London premiums.

What's driving the rental market in NW10?

Supply constraints remain the primary driver, with rental stock still 20% below pre-pandemic levels. However, affordability pressures are now limiting further rent growth.

Will rents continue to rise in Willesden Green?

Moderate increases are likely (3-4% annually), but the days of double-digit growth appear to be over. Affordability constraints and improving supply conditions will limit dramatic increases.