It’s not every day we get some good news backed by funding but this month, we did.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has officially been given the green light to draft a new regional growth plan, focused on building affordable homes, equipping young people with skills, and supporting local businesses. It’s part of a wider push by central government to put more decision-making power in the hands of local leaders.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said these “shared priorities” with regional mayors will help ensure that what communities actually need like decent housing and jobs—gets delivered. And not years down the line either. These plans are intended to bring real economic momentum into the region.
So, what’s the property link?
Well, as this plan rolls out over the year, it’s expected to bring:
- More affordable homes, which can boost tenant access and help reduce housing stress
Increased business activity, which fuels local demand for rentals near growth hubs - Improved infrastructure and job access, which typically uplifts surrounding property values
And all of this is arriving as house prices in the West Midlands continue to rise. New data from Nationwide shows the average home is now worth £249,629 up 5.8% from last year. That’s the third-highest increase in the UK. Even though March saw a pause in monthly growth (thanks, stamp duty changes), the region’s fundamentals remain strong.
With economic conditions still jittery due to global pressures like the US tariffs, local investment like this could be the buffer landlords and providers need.
This kind of long-term regeneration especially when supported by government powers and funding is exactly what landlords and investors should be watching. If you’ve been holding off on expanding in the West Midlands, now’s the time to start scouting. Because where infrastructure and housing meet, opportunity tends to follow.
Sources & Credits
Santander Eases Mortgage Rules
The UK property market just took a step in a new direction, and this time it’s in favour of the borrower.
Santander has become the first major bank to ease its mortgage stress test rules, allowing many buyers to borrow between £10,000 and £35,000 more than before. For years, borrowers had to prove they could afford their mortgage even if interest rates soared, often well beyond the actual rate they would be paying. It was a rule brought in after the 2008 financial crash to prevent risky lending.
But times have changed. Interest rates are expected to fall later this year, and house prices are still rising. The stricter affordability tests have locked many people out of buying, even when they have the income to manage repayments.
Now, Santander’s update reflects a more balanced approach. It acknowledges that affordability should still be tested, but also that people should not be penalised for unlikely rate hikes that may never happen.
This change comes at the same time as pressure from the Financial Conduct Authority, which is reviewing mortgage lending rules across the board. In a recent letter, the FCA said it would start simplifying responsible lending regulations, with the aim of supporting homeownership as part of a wider push for economic growth.
According to mortgage experts, Santander’s move could encourage other banks to act soon. In today’s competitive market, no lender wants to be left behind when easing restrictions could unlock a wave of new demand.
Sources and Credits
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/santander-becomes-first-major-bank-101856259.html
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdryy33v13ko
BTL Landlords Pull Back as Rental Homes Dry Up
The rental market is feeling the pressure, and it’s largely down to landlords leaving the game.
New data from TwentyEA reveals that 15.6% of all properties listed in Q1 2025 were previously rental homes, a sharp rise from 9.8% the year before. That’s over 70,000 ex-rental properties being sold off and only a small number are being bought by other landlords and returned to the rental market.
This exodus is creating a major supply problem. Just 284,000 rental homes are now available across the UK, the lowest figure on record and down 23% from pre-pandemic levels. Most of the available homes are now priced well above average, with nearly half listed at over £1,500 per month. The average rent has reached £1,767 pcm, pushing affordability further out of reach for many.
What’s driving landlords away? It’s a mix of:
- Higher mortgage repayments after fixed deals end
- Tax changes and new regulations
- Looming EPC upgrade targets
- Uncertainty around the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill
According to TwentyEA’s Katy Billany, the market is adjusting quickly, and not in a good way. She notes that while many assume other landlords will buy up the homes being sold, the data shows otherwise,most are simply being lost from the rental sector altogether.
Chris Barwick from Fleet Mortgages sees this as part of a longer shift. He says the sector is becoming more professional, and while casual landlords may step away, experienced ones will adapt. He suggests landlords explore creative letting strategies—like converting single lets to HMOs—as a way to increase income without major renovation.
This is a tricky time, but it’s also a moment of opportunity. If you’re considering options to protect or grow your portfolio, now’s the time to explore strategies like guaranteed rent, portfolio reviews, or converting existing units to meet changing demand.
Sources and credits:
https://propertyindustryeye.com/sharp-drop-in-rental-properties-as-btl-landlords-flee-the-market/
Trump's Trade War Sends Ripples Through UK Property Market
Trump’s trade war is back and it’s hitting closer to home than you might think.
In early April, President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on goods from across the globe. China fired back, and global markets reacted fast. Stocks tumbled. Pensions wobbled. Investment nerves kicked in. But what does that have to do with your property in the UK?
More than you’d expect.
In the same week, UK property professionals reported a clear drop in buyer demand. The latest RICS survey showed new enquiries hit their lowest point since late 2023, with agreed sales also taking a dip.
Now, part of that is linked to the end of the stamp duty perks. But experts agree—this is also about global economic nerves. When big economies shake, investor confidence wobbles everywhere.
Here’s what’s happening on the ground:
- Sales market softens: Buyers are stepping back. Whether it’s mortgage concerns or uncertainty about where the economy’s headed, fewer people are putting in offers.
- Rental demand stays strong: While buying slows, renting rises. Tenant demand continues to climb—especially as landlords become more cautious about expanding their portfolios.
- Property prices cool off: After steady rises earlier this year, house price growth has now flattened.
And yes—Trump’s tariffs are partly to blame. Just like how they hit pensions and savings (as reported by The Guardian), they also impact lending confidence, household budgets, and long-term investment planning.
According to RICS, the longer this trade war continues, the more likely it is that buyer demand and pricing sentiment will weaken. While regions like Scotland and Northern Ireland are staying more stable, much of England is already feeling the pinch.
As a landlord or provider, now is a good time to hold steady, not panic. Rents are still rising thanks to strong tenant demand and low supply. But keeping an eye on your finances—like locking in a good mortgage rate or reviewing rent guarantee options—could help you ride out whatever’s coming next.
Credits:
https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/uk-house-prices-economy-demand-trump-economy-050002624.html
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/04/trump-tariffs-trade-war-uk-consumers-investments-pensions-stocks-shares
Residential Care Homes - Why Guaranteed Rent Matters
Children in care aren’t just looking for safety. They need a stable home where they can feel supported and plan for their future. Residential care homes provide exactly that. But in places like London and the West Midlands, running these homes is becoming harder. Providers are facing rising costs, stricter rules, and property pressures all at once.
Recently, the West Midlands Mayor announced a new housing taskforce focused on helping more families and vulnerable people move into safe, long-term homes. In London, councils are under pressure to find more high-quality care homes, especially for children. The demand is real, and so is the opportunity for landlords who want to support care while securing steady returns.
In our latest blog, we explain how guaranteed rent gives care home providers the breathing room to focus on care, not property stress. At the same time, landlords get a reliable monthly income and peace of mind knowing their investment is being looked after.
