The Intermediary – February 2025 - Flipbook - Page 80
L O C A L FO C U S
Doncaster
independent mortgage brokers to
navigate an increasingly complex
lending environment.
Popular lenders
When it comes to the lenders most
active in Doncaster, there is a clear
mix of high street and specialist.
Clarking frequently works
with mainstream lenders such as
Nationwide, Santander, Barclays,
and NatWest, while also turning
to specialist lenders like Accord
Mortgages and Kent Reliance for
more tailored solutions. She also
considers Leeds Building Society and
The Noingham Building Society
particularly useful for buy-tolet (BTL).
“The usual larger lenders, such as
Nationwide BS, Santander, NatWest,
Halifax, and Barclays, are offering
competitive rates at most loan-tovalues (LTVs), so they tend to be the
obvious choice,” Burne says.
However, he has also noticed an
increase in clients with adverse
credit, leading to a rise in demand for
specialist lenders like Aldermore and
Vida Homeloans.
However, Bingham emphasises that
“mortgage choices are deeply personal
– what works for one client may not
suit another. Clients with complex
incomes, adverse credit histories, or
niche requirements oen find beer
outcomes with lesser-known lenders
or specialist providers who tailor
criteria to unique needs.”
New developments
Doncaster’s evolving property
landscape is being driven by
regeneration projects and
infrastructure investments that aim to
transform the city’s appeal.
While the average price of a newly
built home currently stands at
£213,000 – down 7% over the past year
– interest in modern developments
remains strong, with 408 new-build
sales recorded.
Oliver notes: “The city’s ongoing
growth and development initiatives
may lead to emerging neighbourhoods
and new housing projects.
“Staying informed about local
planning applications and council
announcements can provide
insights into potential investment
opportunities.”
Burne reinforces this optimism,
stating that “Doncaster is benefiting
from significant regeneration and
infrastructure investment, which is
boosting property demand.”
Cautious optimism
PAULA BINGHAM
managing director and mortgage adviser at Belle Maison Mortgages
hile national price growth has outpaced the region, the
town’s appeal lies in its accessibility, with homes typically
costing a fraction of the UK average.
Many prospective buyers are proactively seeking clarity
on borrowing capacity. is surge in inquiries reflects a mix of cautious
optimism and strategic planning.
While affordability checks have become more rigorous, the underlying
desire to secure homes in well-connected suburbs or near regeneration
hubs underscores a resilient, forward-looking market.
A notable shi is emerging in mortgage preferences, with borrowers
increasingly opting for a mix of 2-year and 5-year fixed-rate deals
despite the higher upfront costs of shorter terms. Some are betting on
potential rate cuts in the near term. Others – particularly families and
those prioritising budget certainty – are locking into 5-year fixes to
safeguard against ongoing volatility.
Added urgency is also shaping behaviour, as buyers and investors rush
to complete transactions ahead of impending Stamp Duty changes. is
has led to a surge in demand for rapid conveyancing and fast lender
turnaround times, with clients keen to avoid additional costs.
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The Intermediary | February 2025
One of the most ambitious projects
on the horizon is the £300m Urban
Centre Masterplan, a transformative
scheme designed to breathe new life
into Doncaster’s city centre. This
redevelopment aims to enhance retail,
leisure, and office spaces, creating a
more vibrant urban environment.
Meanwhile, large-scale housing
developments in Armthorpe,
Rossington, and Edenthorpe are
catering to growing families, offering
modern homes in well-connected
locations.
Beyond residential projects,
Doncaster’s economy is being further
strengthened by the GatewayEast
Business Hub, a burgeoning
employment zone near Doncaster
Sheffield Airport. Expected to
aract professionals and businesses,
this development is set to drive
local economic growth and boost
housing demand.
Another flagship project shaping
the region is Unity Yorkshire, which
Bingham describes as “a cornerstone
of Doncaster’s future, transforming
618 acres near Junction 5 of the M18
into a visionary mixed-use hub.”
This development integrates
industrial, residential, retail,
and leisure spaces, anchored by
a 2.9km link road that enhances
regional connectivity, with plans
for 3,000 new homes, 7,000 jobs,
and over two million square feet of
employment space.
Rental appetite
Despite facing regulatory and
economic challenges, particularly
following The Renters’ Rights Bill’s
recent Second Reading in the House
of Lords, Doncaster’s rental market
remains resilient.
21.2% of Doncaster’s housing stock
is privately rented, only slightly below
the national average for England and
Wales of 23.6%.
Burne acknowledges that while
sector is not as strong as it was prior
to taxation changes, landlords are
adapting to higher mortgage rates,
lender affordability rules, and
evolving tax policies.
“Tenant demand remains strong,
particularly for family homes in the
suburbs outside of the city centre,” he
notes, though many landlords are now
reviewing their portfolios in light of
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
