Why are more Brits than ever now facing decades of debt that might follow them well into retirement? The UK’s housing affordability crisis has left many first-time buyers clinging to 35-year mortgages, while renters watch their monthly bills eat away at their wages. Without a windfall from the “Bank of Mum and Dad,” the dream of owning a home often feels out of reach, especially when house prices still dwarf the average salary.
The government has promised to build 1.5 million new homes, but will that truly bring prices down, or will it simply churn out more overpriced properties? With mortgage approvals oddly returning to pre-2020 levels and rents continuing to soar, are we just kicking the can down the road, only to burden future retirees with never-ending housing costs? And if pensions can’t keep up, shouldn’t we be asking whether a more radical solution is needed to avoid condemning an entire generation to financial strain throughout their later years?
Sources & Credits:
https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/uk-housing-crisis-creating-generation-170955549.html
Labour’s Green Rules a Win for Tenants or a Burden on Landlords?
Labour’s new plan will require all privately rented homes in England and Wales to reach an EPC rating of C by 2030, a big jump from the current E requirement. Landlords may need to spend thousands on upgrades like insulation, double glazing, and heat pumps, with costs capped at £15,000 per property (or £10,000 in some cases). Ministers say the move will cut tenants’ energy bills by £240 a year and lift many out of fuel poverty—but some landlords fear the financial hit will be too much.
With over 2.5 million rental properties below the required standard, will landlords absorb the cost, pass it onto tenants, or simply sell up? A mass sell-off could mean fewer rental properties, pushing rents even higher, while a lack of skilled tradespeople could delay improvements. The government insists support schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme will help, but will it be enough? Or could this plan, meant to help tenants, end up making renting even tougher?
Sources & Credits:
- https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/labour-to-make-landlords-meet-green-energy-targets-by-2030/ar-AA1yAXf7
- https://www.nrla.org.uk/news/breaking-news-landlords-to-pay-15k-for-energy-improvements
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14371577/Rents-landlords-bills-double-glazing-insulation-heat-pumps-Labour-energy-efficiency-rules.html
UK Homes Now Worth Over £9trn
According to Savills, the total value of UK housing climbed past £9trn in 2024—an increase of £346bn in just one year—surpassing the nation’s annual GDP. Unmortgaged homes now represent the largest share of this vast property wealth, a sign of shifting homeowner behaviour.
At the same time, the North has seen stronger price growth in recent years, even though London and the South East still account for over 40% of the country’s housing value. Yet, while lower interest rates could encourage buyers—especially those trading up—GfK data shows many consumers are choosing to bolster their savings amid an uncertain economic outlook. With house values continuing to rise and buyers holding back, the question now is whether easing affordability pressures and future rate cuts will be enough to keep momentum in the market
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Sources and credits:
https://www.ftadviser.com/property/2025/2/17/value-of-uk-housing-exceeds-9trn/
https://www.rprealtyplus.com/international/uk-home-values-exceed-9trn-for-first-time-118839.html
https://www.ft.com/content/a22c4c96-65e0-4ad0-b532-04a6172ea189
West Midlands Steps Up Social Housing Effort with Bold New Target
In a bid to tackle the affordable housing crisis, the Mayor of the West Midlands has vowed to deliver 20,000 new social homes in the next ten years—starting with schemes such as converting a former wallpaper factory in Wolverhampton into 30 rented flats for the YMCA. Alongside that, a further 63 social rent homes are being built on adjacent land, backed by £1m from the West Midlands Combined Authority. Recent deals also include a funding boost for Port Loop in Birmingham, where more than 100 social and affordable homes are planned, and a major investment in Digbeth to create 141 social-rent units.
The Mayor points to grim statistics showing over 6,500 local households, including 13,000 children, still in temporary accommodation—a clear sign of urgent need. By teaming up with housing associations and securing grants from central government, he hopes to fast-track construction, giving vulnerable families the stable housing they’ve been desperately seeking. Critics, however, wonder if the scale of building can keep pace with soaring demand and whether new funding streams will be enough to meet his ambitious target. Nonetheless, many see it as a welcome step toward ensuring that everyone in the West Midlands can finally have a safe, permanent place to call home.
Sources and Credits:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9qjq5z1jrwo
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/new-social-housing-built-birmingham-30807396
Expanding Supported Living in Birmingham
Our guaranteed rent portfolio is growing, and with it, the number of people who now have a place to truly call home. We’re proud to introduce our newly leased five-bedroom, five-bathroom supported living home on Charlotte Road, Birmingham—designed to provide a safe, high-quality environment for residents. Thoughtfully built with accessibility in mind, the property ensures ease of mobility while offering comfort and privacy. Located in Birmingham, a city known for its strong sense of community and access to essential services, this home is well-connected to healthcare facilities, shops, and public transport, allowing residents to maintain independence while staying engaged with the wider community.
At Prem Property, we believe supported living should provide individuals with security, comfort, and the opportunity to live with confidence. It’s not just about offering a house—it’s about creating a home where people feel valued and respected. Birmingham has long been at the heart of regeneration and inclusive housing initiatives, making it the perfect place to expand supported living options. This property reflects our vision of delivering high-quality housing solutions that prioritise both independence and care. With this latest addition, we remain committed to working with partners to ensure more people have a stable and welcoming place to call home.
