The Intermediary – June 2025 - Flipbook - Page 89
L O C A L FO C U S
Gloucester
To the north, momentum continues
with a major 4,000-home satellite
town between Gloucester and
Cheltenham recently clearing its first
planning hurdle.
Dupree adds: “We are in roadwork
hell as we speak, but we are
looking forward to the long-term
improvements to the road network
in the area.”
Dudek corroborates this assessment,
noting: “Locally we are witnessing
a surge in new-build housing
developments due to demand
in the area.
“Gloucestershire offers a good mix
of urban and rural living so there is
something for everyone.
“There are also lots of new
aractions as well as historic locations
which helps to make it a popular area
to live in.”
Infrastructure is evolving just as
quickly, as Wasley highlights the city
centre’s ongoing regeneration and new
transport routes.
One of the most anticipated is
the University of Gloucestershire’s
new campus, opening in the former
Debenhams building.
“It will likely increase demand for
student properties,” says Dupree.
Just a stone’s throw away, the new
‘Forum’ – an office, retail, and leisure
hub beside the transport interchange
– is expected to revitalise footfall and
draw new interest to the city centre.
Buy-to-let
Complementing the city’s evolving
infrastructure is a rental market that
remains resilient, even amid broader
pressures. While Gloucester’s private
rental sector (PRS) makes up 20.5% of
housing – slightly below the national
average of 21.3% – local brokers say
demand has held firm.
Dupree explains: “We have
noticed some landlords exiting from
the market, as has been the case in
most areas and has been reported
nationally.”
However, he notes that “limited
company landlord clients have
remained steadfast,” reflecting a shi
in landlord demographics toward
more structured and tax-efficient
ownership models.
Despite recent challenges, the
fundamentals of the market remain
Increased applications
KIRSTY DUDEK
mortgage and protection adviser at Lavender Mortgages
T
here is a good mix of both home movers and first-time buyers in
the local area and we have seen a steady influx of purchase
applications in recent months. e remortgage opportunities
are also there, as we are encouraging our clients to review their
current mortgage deal six months before it is due to expire. We are
seeing those who were fortunate to secure a low interest rate come
back into a higher market so we are trying to prepare those clients as
best as we can.
Affordability and house prices remain a focus point at the moment,
although in recent months we have seen more products and schemes
coming into the market to help more buyers get onto the property
ladder – we have seen the return of the 100% mortgage, along with
various lenders offering ‘income boosts’ for certain buyers.
We have seen an increase in purchase applications over the past few
months. We deal with a wide range of clients with varying circumstances
and oen get involved in the more complex cases so have seen a recent
influx in both self-employed and adverse credit applications.
We have seen an increase in home movers rather than people staying
in their current home and potentially extending to create the space
needed. e cost of extending your current home has significantly
increased in recent years due to sourcing materials and more recently
increases in inflation, so when weighing up the options we have seen
more opting to move than stay put.
Gloucester
Residents
664k
Average age
42.9
Residents per household
2.35
Gloucester postcode area.
Source: www.plumplot.co.uk
strong. Dupree adds that “demand
for rental properties remains, as
do the underlying demands on the
rental market.”
That demand is likely to grow
further, particularly with the
University of Gloucestershire’s new
city centre campus poised to increase
appetite for student accommodation.
Open for business
Overall, Gloucester’s evolving
housing story is one of resilience,
reinvention, and rising appeal.
The city is managing to navigate
economic uncertainty, while steadily
transforming both its housing offer
and infrastructure.
From new residential schemes
and improving transport links to
a strong mortgage sector that is
embracing flexibility, the area is
demonstrating an ability to meet
the needs of a broad and changing
demographic.
Whether it is first-time buyers
finally taking the plunge, landlords
adapting to a new rental landscape, or
families relocating in search of quality
of life, the message is clear: Gloucester
is open for business.
With developments like
the new university campus and
The Forum breathing fresh life
into the heart of the city, these
changes are set to support what
Wasley describes as “the city’s balance
of affordability and lifestyle [that]
continues to aract people from
further afield.” ●
June 2025 | The Intermediary
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