Turbulent Waters: The Housing Market Storm Isn’t Over — But It Can Be Navigated
By Jordan Mariner, Director – Newton Fallowell Mansfield
The UK housing market remains unpredictable. One moment, there’s a brief calm — then fresh challenges appear on the horizon. Rising mortgage costs, landlord exits, and upcoming legal reforms make it clear this journey won’t smooth out overnight.
Many homeowners are already planning moves for 2026 — an unusual but necessary step in today’s market.
Mortgage Pressures: What You Need to Know
- Thousands are locked into fixed-rate mortgages at 5% or more, paying hundreds more each month than pre-pandemic borrowers.
- Early repayment charges of £5,000+ discourage refinancing, even when better deals exist.
If you’re exploring your options, we offer a free initial chat to discuss mortgage possibilities and planning your next steps. First-time buyers especially need expert insight — far beyond advice from “Aunt Rose,” who moved 35 years ago. Buying in 2025 is very different, and getting the right guidance makes all the difference.
To help, we have Second Mate Dan, our mortgage specialist based in Mansfield. He offers Zoom, in-person, or telephone consultations — whichever suits you best. Dan searches all the main banks and building societies to find the best match for your circumstances. With his help, you won’t be sailing these waters alone.
More about our mortgage service
Landlords Leaving, Rental Supply Falling
- In 2024, 26% of landlords sold at least one property, while only 8% purchased more.
- Around a third expect to exit the market within five years.
- This exodus has kept rental supply about 24% below pre-pandemic levels.
UK House Price & Rental Trends
- UK house prices rose 6.4% to £271,000 in the 12 months to March 2025, but growth slowed to 3.9% by May/June 2025.
- Private rents climbed 6.7–7.4% year‑on‑year, with average rent at £1,344 per month in June 2025. While rent growth is stabilising, it still outpaces wages.
Mansfield: Stability in an Unpredictable Market
Compared to hotspots with wild price swings, Mansfield offers steady and predictable growth:
- House prices rose around 3% last year, avoiding extreme volatility.
- Rental price increases are moderate (3–4%), keeping homes affordable and tenant demand steady.
- Fewer landlords are leaving Mansfield than the national average, supporting a more stable rental market.
- The Selective Licensing scheme, launching September 2025, will protect tenants and landlords alike — improving standards and safeguarding your investment.
Renters’ Rights Reform on the Horizon
The Renters’ Rights Bill, expected in early 2026, will bring important changes:
- Abolition of “no fault” evictions (Section 21)
- All assured shorthold tenancies to become periodic
- Rent increases limited to once a year at market rate
- Stronger enforcement with fines up to £7,000
Landlords must prepare, but these reforms aim to create a fairer, more balanced rental market.
Sellers: Strategy Beats Price Alone
Many sellers cycle through agents with no success — same photos, same price, expecting different results. Some quietly list now and push solicitors to speed up, because slow conveyancing kills sales.
Ask your agent:
- What’s your average sales time, and how do you manage solicitors?
- Is saving £100 in fees worth risking a sale worth hundreds of thousands?
My Commitment to You
My job is to listen carefully to your needs and create a solution that works. I’ll always be realistic about what’s achievable. It feels like there are hundreds of estate agents now compared to the early 2000s, and I see how desperation to win listings and inflate values is only hurting sellers—and costing agents money. This approach often seals your fate with no sale.
At Newton Fallowell Mansfield, we focus on honest advice, realistic pricing, and effective strategies to get results in today’s challenging market.
Ready to Navigate Your Property Journey?
At Newton Fallowell Mansfield, we guide you through these choppy waters with clear strategy, expert advice, and dedicated support.
Contact us for a free chat on your mortgage options or to discuss your selling or letting plans. Let’s make sure you’re navigating confidently.
