HTB comments on ONS Private Rent and House Price data

17 September 2025

Alex Upton, Managing Director - Specialist Mortgages & Bridging Finance, Hampshire Trust Bank:

“Balancing the rental market must be a top priority for Steve Reed as he steps into the role of Housing Secretary. The latest Propertymark data shows tenant demand rising sharply, far outpacing any increase in available rental stock. That imbalance is keeping rents under pressure, and until we see meaningful progress on supply, any short-term easing is likely to be temporary.

A big part of what happens next will hinge on the Renters’ Rights Bill. The timing and detail are still to be confirmed, but the direction of travel is clear. Landlords are already adapting, upgrading properties, restructuring portfolios, and making long-term decisions about where they want to be.

This is a pivotal moment for brokers. Professional landlords who see the long-term value in property will need funding partners who understand the landscape and can help them reposition with confidence. That means clear criteria, open communication, and structured lending solutions that reflect the realities of the market.

The broker’s role has never been more important. By staying close to lender appetite, structuring the right deals, and supporting landlords through change, brokers can be the trusted partner every investor needs. Those who lean in now will be the ones shaping what comes next.”