Smart Property News Peterborough the renters resource for renting in Peterborough

Advice For First Time Renters | Rental Inventory

Hello Peterborough Renters,

If you’ve been scrolling Rightmove with one eyebrow raised at the rising rents or just wondering which part of town suits your lifestyle best you’re not alone.

This week’s edition gives you a grounded look at:

What’s happening in the real rental market
Where the best value homes are hiding
Local news and area insights you won’t get from property portals
And a few very human stories that may just mirror your own

Whether you're moving out for the first time, looking to save on co-living, or just want to stay ahead of the market we’ve got you.

LOOKING AT ORTON SOUTHGATE & SURROUNDS

Commuter-friendly. Quiet. Surprisingly affordable.

Who It’s Great For: Professionals commuting to London (Peterborough Station 12 min drive), hospital workers, and young couples
Average Rents: 1-bed from £695, 2-bed around £850
Vibe: Tree-lined streets, detached homes, and newer flats
Tip: Look for older ex-council properties with good insulation — hidden gems!

Local tip-off: A 2-bed maisonette on Culley Court recently let for £795/month — smart value compared to new-builds with £1,100+ rents nearby.

Co-Living and Co Renting

“Sharing Spaces, Cutting Costs”

This week: How two junior doctors saved £500/month

Anita and Callum, both starting work at Peterborough City Hospital, chose a 3-bed in Woodston for £1,350/month.

They took the two larger bedrooms and let the third via SpareRoom. Their personal cost? £450/month each.

“It’s like flat-sharing with backup,” Callum says. “We rotate bills, take turns cooking, and having that third housemate helps split council tax and energy costs.”

Co-Renting Tip of the Week:

Always agree upfront how to split bills and food, and have a mini ‘house contract’ — it avoids future awkwardness.

What Renters in Peterborough Should Know (November 2025)

Average rent across Peterborough is now sitting at around £965 per month, which is up slightly since the summer.

Here’s what people are typically paying right now:

1-bed flats: around £650–£750 per month
2-bed houses: around £800–£950 per month
3-bed houses: usually £950–£1,150+ per month

These are not hard limits some properties come up below these ranges and some go above but they reflect what most renters are seeing this month.

📉 Stock & availability

There are still not enough rental homes to match demand. More homes are coming onto the market compared to earlier in the year, but there are still more renters than properties, especially in good locations.

This is one of the main reasons prices have continued to creep up.

Where demand is highest

Homes closest to:

The hospital (Peterborough City)
The rail station
ARU Peterborough campus
New-build developments

…are being snapped up the fastest.

🔥 Hot neighbourhood highlight

Hempsted remains one of the most sought-after areas. It’s modern, family-friendly, close to good schools and has quick routes into the city which is why relocating families and professionals are competing hard for homes there.

💡 Take-aways for renters

Have paperwork ready early — good properties go fast.
If you want new-builds or extra convenience (schools, trains, shops), expect to pay a little above the city average.
If you’re renewing a tenancy, be prepared for a modest increase — most rents have risen slightly over the last year.
Flexibility helps — move-in dates, area and property type can make a big difference in beating the competition.

Sam Frugglemans - Smart Tips

“Stretch That Paycheck, Live Smart”

By Sam “The Saver” Fruggelman, Renters’ Advocate & Finance Nerd

“Last week I met Ellie, who just started teaching at a school near Stanground.

She’d moved into a small one-bed with ‘bills included’ at £995/month.

I asked to see the breakdown. Turns out, she was paying £180/month more than necessary.”

Lesson?

Don’t fall for “all-in” if it’s vague. She switched to a 2-bed in Bretton for £875/month + bills (£1,030 total) but now shares with a friend and pays just £515/month.

Other Sam Tips:

Check Heat Efficiency Ratings: EPCs below ‘C’ = higher energy bills
Negotiate Longer Terms: 18-month tenancies can lock in lower rates
Shop Contents Insurance: Annual savings of £80+ are easy to find

Peterborough neighbourhood snapshots – November 2025

A quick, real-world guide to what different parts of Peterborough feel like for renters right now, and roughly what you might expect to pay.

1️⃣ City Centre & Rail Station (PE1)

Vibe: Busy, walkable and handy if you don’t want to rely on a car. Great for commuters and anyone who likes being close to shops, gyms and a quick train to London.

Typical rent feel (not exact quotes):

1-bed flats often land in the mid–high £600s into the £700s
2-beds are usually around the mid £800s up towards £950+

That lines up with the overall city average of just under £970 a month across all property types.

Pros:

Walk to the station, city centre jobs, restaurants and nightlife
Good option if you don’t drive

Cons:

Less space for the money versus the suburbs
Parking can be a pain and it’s generally noisier

2️⃣ Hempsted & Hargate

Vibe: Modern, mostly new-build, with a “mini-village” feel. You’ll see a lot of families and professionals, plus newer, more energy-efficient homes.

Hempsted sits just south of the city centre with its own green, shops and newer estates.

Typical rent feel:

Average rent in the wider Hargate & Hempsted area is around £960–£970 a month, very similar to the Peterborough city average.
New-build 2- and 3-beds often sit around or slightly above that, especially if they’re bigger family homes or have parking and gardens.

Pros:

Modern layouts, better insulation and parking than many older areas
Popular schools and good links back into the city

Cons:

High demand – good houses can go quickly
You pay a bit extra for the “new-build” factor

3️⃣ Hampton (Hampton Hargate & Hampton Vale)

Vibe: A large, planned “new town” style area to the south of Peterborough, built out over the last couple of decades with lakes, paths, retail parks and a big mix of houses and flats.

Typical rent feel:

Because so much of Hampton is modern housing, rents for 2- and 3-bed homes tend to be around the city average or a touch above, especially for well-presented family houses.
Think high £800s into the £900s for many 2-beds, and around or above £1,000 for 3-beds in nicer spots, in line with wider Peterborough figures.

Pros:

Good for families wanting newer homes, green space and local amenities
Straightforward car access to major roads

Cons:

Can feel a bit “estate-like” if you prefer older streets with character
Competition can be strong for the nicer family homes near schools.

4️⃣ Orton (Orton Waterville, Orton Southgate, etc.)

Vibe: A group of established suburbs to the south-west, near the A1 and the River Nene. A mix of older and newer estates, flats and houses, with a lot of commuters choosing the area for road links.

Typical rent feel:

Rents are generally around the Peterborough average, with some pockets a little cheaper and some very similar to Hampton for good-sized family homes.
Expect plenty of 2- and 3-beds in the £800–£1,000+ range depending on exact spot and condition, in line with city-wide 2- and 3-bed averages.

Pros:

Handy for the A1 and business parks, good for people who drive to work.
Mix of property types, so more chance of finding something that fits your budget

Cons:

Not as “walk-into-town” as central areas
Quality varies street by street, so viewings matter

5️⃣ Werrington & North Peterborough (PE4)

Vibe: Established, family-friendly suburb to the north with schools, local shops and parks. Very popular with people who want a bit more space and a quieter feel than the city centre.

Typical rent feel:

Recent data suggests 2-bed houses in Werrington average around the high £800s per month, with a wide range above and below that depending on the exact property.
Larger 3- and 4-bed homes can push comfortably over £1,000, matching or slightly topping the city-wide 3-bed average.

Pros:

Good for families and anyone who wants more space and a quieter pace
Local centre, schools and green space

Cons:

Further from the station and city centre – buses or a car are more or less essential
Bigger homes mean higher total rent, even if price-per-room can be good

📅 Timeline of Key Rules for Renters – Peterborough & UK (Updated Nov 2025)

Now (2025)
Selective Licensing applies in certain parts of Peterborough.
This means homes in those areas must meet safety and property-management standards, giving tenants better protection.

1 May 2026

Section 21 “no-fault” evictions will end.

You cannot be asked to leave without a valid reason — more stability and security for renters.

2026–2027

Local councils are expected to increase enforcement on rental standards.

More action against damp, mould, unsafe electrics and poorly maintained properties.

2028 (proposed start)

Minimum EPC rating could rise to C for new tenancies.

Older and drafty properties will need energy-efficiency upgrades before they can be re-let.

2030 (proposed full compliance deadline)

All rented homes expected to meet EPC C.

Rental homes should be warmer and cheaper to heat across the board

Quick takeaway

Renting should become safer and fairer over the next few years.
Tenants will have stronger security and more rights from 2026.
Homes should become more energy-efficient, meaning lower bills and more comfort.

Real Renter Stories

“How Renting Gave Me Flexibility After Divorce”

After her split, Maria (48) moved from a 4-bed in Deeping to a 2-bed near Hampton Vale.

“I thought I had to buy again, but renting gave me freedom. I’ve been able to travel, change jobs, and figure out my next steps.

The letting agent was surprisingly helpful and didn’t pressure me.”

Takeaway: Renting isn’t second best — for many, it’s the smart step forward.

Quick Fire Questions & Answers

Q: Can I decorate a rented home?

A: Ask first! Many landlords now allow small changes like painting — especially if you offer to return it to neutral.

Q: Is it cheaper to rent furnished or unfurnished?

A: Unfurnished often means lower rent, but higher move-in costs. Ask what’s actually included!

Q: How do I protect my deposit?

A: Ensure it’s in a government-approved scheme (TDS, DPS, or MyDeposits) and always take date-stamped move-in photos.

What’s On in Peterborough – 5 Events Renters Will Actually Want to Know About (Nov–Dec 2025)

Renting isn’t just about contracts, deposits and moving boxes it’s about building a life in the city you live in.

So each fortnight we highlight local things to do, whether you’re looking for a cheap night out, something fun with the kids, or just an excuse to get out of the house.

Here’s what’s coming up in Peterborough

1) The Wonder of Christmas – Immersive Light & Sound Display

Peterborough Cathedral

19 November – 4 December 2025

A stunning festive light and sound installation transforming the cathedral — perfect for families, couples or just a cosy winter night out.

2) 2:22 A Ghost Story

New Theatre, Peterborough

Monday 24 – Saturday 29 November 2025

A gripping supernatural stage thriller with a cult following — ideal for a date night or a “something different” evening out.

3) Coffee Morning at The Key

Key Theatre

Friday 12 December 2025

A relaxed and friendly social morning — coffee, conversation, local creatives and a low-pressure community vibe, great if you’re new to the city.

4) Peterborough Jobs Fair

Weston Homes Stadium

Friday 21 November 2025 – 10am to 1pm

Free entry. A wide range of employers, training advice and career options — useful whether you're job-hunting or exploring a career change.

🌈 5) TuesGays Night @ Embassy

📍 Embassy Peterborough

📅 Tuesday 18 November 2025 – 9pm to 3am

A high-energy late-night social — inclusive, friendly, and popular with renters looking to meet people and enjoy the city nightlife.

These events are hand-picked because renters want more than four walls — you want community, connection and the feeling of belonging somewhere. And that’s exactly the vibe we’re building here.

Money-Saving Moves for Renters

Renters: 6 smart ways to cut bills without moving home

Just because you’re renting doesn’t mean you can’t take control of your monthly outgoings.

Here are six genuinely useful savings renters in Peterborough are making right now with no drastic lifestyle changes:

Turn things off at the plug
Standby mode quietly burns money. Switching devices off fully can make a meaningful difference over a year.
Drop the thermostat by just 1 degree
Most households don’t even notice the comfort difference — but it can noticeably reduce heating bills over winter.
Use heavy curtains or draught stoppers in older homes
Especially useful in terraced houses and older flats where insulation isn’t perfect. Keeps heat in and cuts energy waste.
Batch the washing and cook with lids on
Full loads, lower temperatures and covered pans = lower energy usage.
Shop around for energy suppliers when your deal ends
Many renters forget this step — sometimes the cheapest bill is simply the one you negotiate.
Ask about insulation or heating controls when renewing a tenancy
It’s not “cheeky” — good landlords appreciate long-term tenants more than short-stayers.

Bottom line: You don’t need to move to save money — small tweaks stack up over winter.

Decorating a Rental Without Losing Your Deposit

Make your place feel like home — and still get your deposit back

Renters deserve cosy, stylish homes too and it doesn’t have to mean holes in the wall or awkward landlord conversations.

Here are simple decorating tricks that make a big impact without breaking any rules:

Large area rugs — instantly transform rooms while hiding flooring you don’t love.
Warm lighting — swap harsh bulbs for softer LEDs and add floor/table lamps for ambience.
Removable wallpaper & peel-and-stick vinyl — create feature walls or upgraded kitchens without permanent changes.
Command strips for art & frames — add personality everywhere without drilling.
Neutral foundations + bright accessories — cushions, bedding, throws and plants do the heavy lifting.

Why this works:

You get personality and comfort now and when you move, nothing needs repairing or repainting.

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Which Type of Rental Home Fits You Best?

4 common rental home styles and the pros and cons of each

Everyone rents for different reasons, so here’s a quick guide to help you match the right property type to your lifestyle:

🔹 1-bed flat — best for single professionals or couples.
Lower rent, manageable cleaning, and usually close to amenities. Watch out for parking and noise in city-centre blocks.

🔹 2-bed modern house — great for couples or small families.
Often has a garden and parking. Newer builds usually mean better insulation and lower heating bills.

🔹 3-bed family home — space to grow.
You’ll pay more in rent, but you get comfort, storage and room to breathe. Check school catchment and transport links.

🔹 Shared house / HMO — ideal for budget-conscious renters and sociable house-shares.

Good value for money with bills often included. Check there’s enough shared space (kitchen/lounge) for everyone.

Quick tip:
Before viewing, decide which 2 things matter most — space, budget, location or convenience. It makes choosing much easier.

Rental Life Hacks: 8 Upgrades Under £10 That Make a Big Difference”

Renting doesn’t have to mean living with things that annoy you and you don’t need a big budget to make your place feel better fast.

Here are simple low-cost fixes renters are loving right now:

Rubber door stoppers — stop doors slamming when windows are open.
Fillable draught excluder — stuff with towels or clothes to keep heat in and bills down.
Shower caddy that hangs over the screen — solves the “no drilling allowed” problem instantly.
Clip-on wardrobe light — perfect for dark bedroom wardrobes or storage cupboards.
Peel-and-stick hooks — for towels, utensils, bags and coats without damaging walls.
Bedside shelf clamp — gives you a “side table” even in tiny bedrooms.
Mini plug-in diffuser — lifts the feel of the home without lighting candles.
Door mat inside + outside — reduces mess and cleaning if you’re in and out all day.

You can transform comfort and convenience without redecorating, without landlord permission and without risking your deposit.

💬 FINAL WORD

“Next Time on Renter Insider…”

If you’ve read this far you care about your money and your space.

That’s exactly why this newsletter exists.

We believe renters deserve clarity, respect, and savvy info whether it’s your first flat or your fifth.

Renting isn’t just about surviving — it’s about building a life in the place you call home.

Here’s what we’re lining up for the next issue:

🔹 Best hidden-gem neighbourhoods in Peterborough for renters — the underrated streets where you get more space for the money.

🔹 Real renters, real stories — what locals love (and don’t love) about their current area.

🔹 Cheap days out & budget nights out — renter-friendly things to do that don’t wipe your wallet every weekend.

🔹 Spotlight feature: “How to win a rental you love — without overpaying” — timing, paperwork, what to say on viewing day and what not to.

If there’s one mission behind this newsletter, it’s simple:

Renters deserve comfort, security, connection and community — and we’re here to make that easier every fortnight.

Until next time,

The Renter Insider Team