The Intermediary – July 2026 - Flipbook - Page 95
L O C A L FO C U S
Bedford
Strong appetite
JODI SPREADBURY
senior mortgage and protection adviser at The Mortgage Broker
edford is an active but price-sensitive market, much like vast
areas of the UK. It benefits from a wide choice of property,
established connections with London and a comparatively
broad range of price points.
e Universal United Kingdom Resort has now added a significant
long-term investment story, which is understandably bringing more
attention to Bedford and the surrounding area. As a mortgage broker,
we are limited in what we can predict of course, but this doesn’t mean
buyers can purchase at any price.
Affordability still sets the pace and buyers are looking closely at
monthly payments, the condition of the property and whether the
asking price is realistic.
Bedford attracts a broad customer base and we see a varied range
across different areas. In Bedford, we actually have seen a pretty straight
50/50 split between purchases and remortgages, whilst a majority of
our purchases are made up of first-time buyer. We support first-time
buyers, home movers, commuting professionals, growing families, selfemployed customers and landlords. We also regularly encounter gied
deposits and more complex income arrangements.
Appetite has not disappeared by any stretch, but it has become more
considered. People are very much still looking to buy, but they are
testing the monthly payment, mortgage fees and their wider household
budget much more carefully before making an offer.
We always want to ensure not only whether they can obtain a
mortgage, but whether that mortgage will remain comfortable
and sustainable.
B
are suddenly right in the spotlight for
long-term growth.”
Spreadbury agrees that the
development has the potential to
transform Bedford’s national profile.
She notes that the scheme is
being supported by wider transport
investment, including East West
Rail and proposals to enhance rail
infrastructure serving the resort.
However, she cautions that long-term
success will depend on more than just
increased demand.
She says: “Employment and
infrastructure investment can support
demand over time, but affordability,
the supply of suitable homes and the
successful delivery of infrastructure
will still determine whether that
demand is sustainable.”
The development is already
influencing buyer behaviour. Dean
explains that Universal Studios’
decision to make Bedford its first
European destination has prompted
“an unprecedented number of client
enquiries about buy-to-let, not
just standard purchases, but more
specialist lending around short-term
lets and serviced accommodation,
and the investment returns they
might offer.”
Rental demand
Bedford’s buy-to-let (BTL) sector
continues to aract investor interest,
although advisers agree the market
has become far more selective of late.
While higher taxation and
tighter regulation have prompted
some landlords to reconsider their
portfolios, the forthcoming Universal
development is generating renewed
interest from investors.
Dean says prospective landlords
continue to weigh up the impact of
higher costs, including the additional
5% Stamp Duty surcharge on second
homes and the restrictions on
mortgage interest relief. However,
he adds that sentiment has shied
noticeably since Universal Studios
received planning approval.
He says: “We’ve seen a substantial
rise in enquiries from investors,
not only in Bedfordshire but across
the UK.”
Much of that demand is focused
on “short-term lets, corporate lets
and serviced accommodation,” as
investors assess the opportunities the
development could create.
Dhoffer is also witnessing renewed
momentum. He says: “The buy-tolet market is experiencing a bit of
a second wind locally. While the
broader industry narrative has been
about landlords exiting, I am seeing an
increase in buy-to-let enquiries.”
With average monthly rents
reaching around £1,168, Dhoffer
believes many investors are looking
beyond current market conditions and
positioning themselves ahead of the
resort’s opening.
He says: “Savvy landlords
realise that the multi-year
construction phase will create
huge demand for contractor
accommodation, followed by a
permanent influx of workers.”
Spreadbury urges investors to
remain disciplined despite the
optimism surrounding Bedford’s
future. She adds: “We would not
encourage anyone to purchase a
Bedford buy-to-let solely because
Universal is coming. Any future
benefit arising from employment
growth or infrastructure investment
should be treated as potential
upside, not as the basis of the
investment decision.”
An evolving market
Bedford’s housing market continues
to evolve, with affordability and
changing borrower needs shaping
activity. At the same time, the
prospect of major investment through
the Universal Resort has placed the
area firmly in the spotlight, bringing
renewed aention from investors.
While the long-term impact of this
will take time to emerge, advisers say
the outlook is positive.
As Dean concludes:
“Bedfordshire’s housing market
has shown real resilience, with
average prices still edging up since
the start of the year. It’s a modest rise
but set against the performance of
neighbouring regions it underlines the
strength of underlying demand
in Bedford.”
July 2026 | The Intermediary
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