Foreign ownership of buy-to-let companies in the UK has seen steady growth, with non-UK nationals now owning one in five newly incorporated buy-to-let businesses. This marks a sharp increase from 13% in 2016 and reflects wider trends in post-Brexit migration.

In 2025, the UK is on track to see a record 67,000 new buy-to-let companies formed, with around 13,500 of these partially owned by international investors. Indian nationals are leading the charge, contributing to the establishment of 684 new companies in the first half of the year. Nigerian, Polish, and Irish nationals are also contributing heavily to this trend.

The shift in investor demographics is particularly evident in lower-value markets outside London, where house prices and rental growth have remained strong. Although London continues to be a focal point for foreign ownership, markets like the East Midlands, West Midlands, and Scotland have seen significant increases in international buy-to-let incorporations.

Despite the steady rise in buy-to-let incorporations, rental growth in Great Britain showed a small dip in July, marking the first decline in five years. While rents fell 0.2% year-on-year, the average rent still sits at £1,373 per month, reflecting a 34% increase from five years ago. Although rental growth remains strong in regions like the East Midlands and West Midlands, Greater London has seen a sharp decline in rents.

Renewal rents, however, have continued to rise, with landlords aligning these rates more closely with market levels to mitigate future regulatory risks. While demand may be softening, the pressure from rising costs persists.

MCR Property Group has acquired a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) asset in Nottingham, adding 1,013 beds across five properties in key locations. The Nottingham property, Clarendon Street, is situated within walking distance of major universities, contributing to the group’s expansion in the city’s student housing sector.

The acquisition is part of MCR’s broader strategy to grow its student living portfolio, which now totals over 2,700 beds across the UK. MCR Property Group’s existing assets in Nottingham and other core cities are managed through an in-house team that handles lettings, operations, and marketing.

The group plans to retain the existing on-site teams at the newly acquired properties and will invest in operational support focused on student experience, asset management, and marketing. Additionally, MCR is developing a dedicated PBSA brand platform to provide a consistent and student-first identity across its expanding portfolio.

Backed by two decades of experience in residential and student housing, MCR Property Group aims to enhance its portfolio through efficient transitions, refurbishments, and long-term value creation. Further PBSA acquisitions are also in the pipeline.

Robinson plc, the Chesterfield-based packaging manufacturer, has agreed to sell surplus property at Walton Works and Boythorpe Works.

At the Walton Works property, in Chesterfield, the grade II* listed mill building and the surrounding land (Walton Mill) have been sold for £700,000. Exchange and completion occurred on 6 August.

The sale agreement also includes an overage clause where an additional £315,000 will be payable to Robinson in the event that within 18 months, the new owner re-sells part of the surrounding land to an already identified potential future buyer.

Robinson has also entered an option agreement with the same buyer to sell the Boythorpe Works property in Chesterfield.

The Boythorpe Option attracts a non-refundable fee of £20,000, is for a maximum period of 24 months, is exercisable during this time at the option of the buyer and in addition the buyer would be required to exercise should satisfactory planning permission be granted.

The total consideration payable after exercise of the option is £2.85m, with one third to be paid on completion, one third 12 months after completion, and the final third 24 months after completion. 

It follows the business exchanging contracts for the sale of 1.3 acres of the Walton Works property in 2023. The required planning permission has been granted subject to conditions, which are now at an advanced stage, and completion of this sale is expected within the next three months. The property is partially occupied by tenants.

Additionally the firm has recently agreed, subject to contract, to sell three other surplus properties in Chesterfield with an aggregate consideration of just under £1.2m. One of the properties is partially occupied by tenants, with the remainder vacant. 

The monies will be used by Robinson to reduce bank debt.