The government has announced a new publicly owned National Housing Bank, aiming to turbocharge housebuilding across the UK — with implications for landlords, agents, developers, and investors alike.

What’s Being Promised?

• £16 billion in new financial capacity, plus £6 billion from existing housing budgets this Parliament.

• Forecast to unlock £53 billion in private sector investment.

• Target of over 500,000 new homes, with a focus on social and affordable housing.

• Part of a wider commitment to deliver 1.5 million homes.

Key Role of the National Housing Bank

• Run by Homes England, with the power to issue government guarantees directly.

• Offers long-term, flexible finance – helping developers navigate risk and commit to bigger schemes.

• Will also support small and medium developers with tailored lending.

• Designed to unlock stalled or complex sites, especially those requiring significant infrastructure work.

Implications for the Private Rental Sector

• New developments may increase housing supply, impacting rents and tenant demand in some areas.

• More competition for existing landlords – especially where large-scale new builds include build-to-rent schemes.

• Letting agents should prepare for potential shifts in market activity, especially in regions flagged for high levels of investment.

• Possible new partnership or service opportunities for agents who work with developers or housing associations.

Government Commentary

“Our foot is firmly on the accelerator when it comes to ensuring a generation is no longer locked out of homeownership.”
— Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister & Housing Secretary

“The National Housing Bank will unlock £53 billion in private investment… giving more working people the security of home ownership.”
— Rachel Reeves, Chancellor

What to Watch

• Where new housing will be delivered – local plans and regional investment strategies will become essential reading.

• How landlords and letting agents can adjust to potential increases in housing stock, especially in areas already experiencing high turnover or supply growth.