HTB comments on ONS Private Rent and House Price data

19 February 2025

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

“The rental market remains under significant pressure, with demand continuing to outstrip supply. Letting agents are managing multiple applicants for every available property, and while stock levels have seen some movement, competition remains fierce. Until supply and demand move closer to balance, rental prices will keep climbing.

“But addressing this isn’t just about building more homes. The greater opportunity right now is in making better use of existing housing stock. Investors are focusing on refurbishment and conversion - revitalising underused properties and bringing them back into the rental market. This isn’t just a short-term fix; it’s an essential part of increasing supply in a meaningful way.

“For this to happen at scale, lenders must step up. Investors need financial support that enables them to move quickly, alongside planning frameworks that support these projects rather than slow them down. Without that, pressure on tenants and landlords alike will only intensify.”