WHY LOCATION MATTERS
The latest HBF SME Developer Sentiment Survey shows a market that has become increasingly selective. Confidence is cautious, yet developers with the right funding and delivery confidence are still moving ahead. In fact, some are planning to increase housing starts over the next few months.
What really stands out is how uneven things now are. Broad market averages don’t tell you much anymore. Outcomes are increasingly shaped by where you’re building, not the overall mood of the market. For developers and investors, that shifts the focus firmly onto local fundamentals, demand, supply and how deliverable a scheme really is. In uncertain conditions, it’s places with deep demand and real resilience that continue to perform. That’s why markets like Oxfordshire remain so relevant.
The Renters’ Rights Act
The Renters’ Rights Act, taking effect from 1 May 2026, introduces a clearer and more predictable operating environment that many investors may ultimately benefit from.
The shift to rolling periodic tenancies standardises tenancy structures across the sector, reducing ambiguity and offering investors greater long-term visibility into how occupancy operates at a national level.
Although Section 21 no fault evictions will end, the expanded and refined Section 8 possession grounds are designed to give landlords robust, transparent mechanisms for regaining possession in cases such as property sale or serious rent arrears, providing clarity that can support more confident portfolio planning.
The requirement that rents can only be increased once annually, and at market rate, brings greater stability to income forecasting - important for underwriting, long term investment models, and lender confidence. Meanwhile, new sectorwide measures (including the national landlord database, the PRS Ombudsman, and improvements under the Decent Homes Standard) are expected to professionalise the market, reduce rogue landlord activity, and create a more level competitive landscape for responsible investors focused on high quality stock.
In practice, demand for well presented, compliant homes remains strong and continues to outperform the wider rental market, offering investors an opportunity to capitalise on high tenant demand within a more stable, structured regulatory framework.
Spotlight: The Kimmeridge
A BENCHMARK FOR SUCCESSFUL LEASE UP
This quarter, we’re highlighting our work at The Kimmeridge, where we supported Grainger with the lease up of 150 high quality homes. The scheme continues to stand out in Oxfordshire’s rental market, and our involvement there remains a strong example of how a structured, proactive launch strategy can drive exceptional results.
OUR APPROACH AT THE KIMMERIDGE COMBINED:
- Targeted marketing and audience profiling, ensuring the scheme reached the right renters at the right time.
- Consistent and responsive on-site presence, helping to convert early interest into residents.
- Real-time feedback on pricing and demand, enabling agile adjustments that supported strong take up.
- Close collaboration with the client team, ensuring a smooth journey from enquiry through to move in.
The performance of The Kimmeridge demonstrates how effective early stage involvement can accelerate occupancy, strengthen rental values, and establish a positive reputation for a new development from launch.
HOW WE CAN HELP GOING FORWARD
If you are planning a new scheme, preparing for lease up, or considering the resale of units, we support developers from day one of delivery. This includes helping to shape funding conversations, sense check figures, and advise on what lenders, partners and the market will need to see for a scheme to move forward with confidence.
Our experience, combined with our ongoing insight into the Oxfordshire sales and rental market, means we are well placed to support strategies that strengthen delivery, protect value and achieve results from day one.
