Despite growing awareness among commercial landlords about the importance of EPC ratings, thousands only have two years to make the necessary upgrades to avoid financial penalties.

The deal follows a recent record month of lending for HREF, with over £200m of its own funds loaned to bridging borrowers in 2024, and almost £44m in February 2025 alone.

This latest deal marks the fourth completed between Secure Trust Bank Real Estate Finance and Castleforge since 2019.

The bank has also reduced rates and removed the application fee on selected mortgages

The latest research from Rightmove explores how the UK property market has changed five years on from the start of the pandemic.

The latest deal builds upon the lender's strong track record in PBSA funding across the UK, with a growing portfolio of projects in key university cities.

The loan backs the joint venture between Valpre Capital and CKC Properties and will be used to acquire the landmark purpose-built student accommodation site.

Higher numbers of first-time landlords in northern regions are likely due to a combination of lower property prices and higher rents, according to new analysis.

According to the most recent Scottish Government data, 13% of households (330,000) across Scotland now live in the private rented sector.

A vast majority of respondents to a new survey believe that the current government has ignored homebuyers and the issues they face in today's property market.