Medway Premier Homes

18/08/2026

🏡 What are tenants actually looking for in a rental property?

Price and location will always be two of the biggest factors.

But when tenants are choosing between similar properties, it’s often the smaller details that can make one home stand out from another.

From our experience of letting and managing properties across Medway, there are a few things that tenants increasingly look for.

Good broadband

With more people working from home, streaming and generally relying on the internet every day, broadband speed and availability can genuinely influence someone's decision.

A home that's affordable to run

It's not just the monthly rent tenants are thinking about anymore. Energy efficiency, heating and insulation can all affect the overall cost of living in a property.

Useful, flexible space

That doesn't necessarily mean an extra bedroom. Somewhere to put a desk, decent storage or a layout that works for both relaxing and working from home can make a real difference.

Parking and storage

Depending on the property and location, a driveway, allocated parking, bike storage or simply having somewhere practical to keep things can be a big plus.

Good property management

Tenants want to know that if something goes wrong, there's someone they can contact and that problems will be dealt with properly.

For landlords, you don't necessarily need to completely renovate a property to make it more appealing.

Sometimes it's about understanding what prospective tenants value and making sensible improvements where they can have the biggest impact.

Ultimately, a good rental property isn't just somewhere that meets the basic requirements. It's somewhere a tenant can genuinely see themselves living and making their home.

Landlords, what changes have you made to your properties that tenants have responded well to?

17/08/2026

What’s happening with house prices in Medway?

The latest figures give us a useful snapshot of the local property market.

The average price of a home across the Medway Towns currently sits at £299,112, with around £1.14 billion worth of property sold over the last 12 months.

Perhaps the more interesting figure is what’s happened over the longer term.

📈 Average sales prices are 12% higher than five years ago

🏢 Around 10.4% of sales were flats

For anyone thinking about moving, buying their first home or even remortgaging, I think local figures like these are useful.

But averages only tell part of the story.

Medway covers a lot of different areas and property types, so what’s happening to a flat in Rochester could be very different to a family home in Rainham, for example.

If you’re thinking about moving or buying locally and want to understand what the numbers could mean for you, feel free to drop me a message.



Source: Dataloft by PriceHubble, Land Registry. Data generated 11 August 2026.

08/07/2026

An interesting insight into how the mortgage market has evolved over the last decade...

The composition of the mortgage market has remained remarkably consistent over the last 10 years, according to the latest data from the FCA.

The one clear change is the rise in the number of first-time buyers, offset by the fall in buy-to-let mortgages.

First-time buyers now account for 27.4% of mortgage lending, compared with the 10-year average of 23.6%.

Buy-to-let lending now accounts for 8.9% of mortgages, down from the 10-year average of 11.5%.

The turning point appears to have been the introduction of the higher Stamp Duty rates on second properties in 2016, followed by further changes in 2024.

With interest rates remaining higher in 2026 due to ongoing inflationary pressures linked to the Iran conflict, it'll be interesting to see whether these trends continue throughout the rest of the year.

I found this really interesting. Despite everything the property market has been through over the past decade, the overall makeup of the mortgage market has stayed surprisingly consistent. The biggest shift has been the increase in first-time buyers and the decline in buy-to-let, which shows just how much government policy can influence people's decisions.

For those of you working in the property or mortgage industry, is this what you're seeing on the ground? Are you finding you're helping more first-time buyers than landlords, or has your experience been different?

07/07/2026

When the Iran conflict erupted, rising inflation was the key headline economic risk, with global supply chains in the firing line.

May’s data brings some cautious relief: the 12-month Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate held at 2.8%. Some inflationary impacts remain delayed: for instance the energy price cap will change at the beginning of July and affect inflation.

Forecasts point to inflation of 3.7% by year-end. Certainly elevated, but nothing like the peaks of recent years, provided the peace deal holds and the Strait of Hormuz re-opens fully. Source: Dataloft by PriceHubble, ONS, HM Treasury Consensus Forecasts

03/04/2026

24/03/2026

Top Features Tenants Want Right Now:If you’re a landlord, understanding what tenants are looking for can help you let your property faster and attract long-term renters. Here’s what’s in demand right now:
Energy Efficiency - Properties with good insulation, modern boilers, and strong EPC ratings are increasingly important as tenants look to manage utility costs.

High-Speed Broadband Access - With remote and hybrid working now common, reliable internet connectivity is a must-have.Outdoor SpaceGardens, balconies, or even small patios remain highly desirable, particularly for tenants working from home.

Modern Kitchens and Bathrooms - Clean, contemporary finishes make a strong first impression and justify competitive rental values.

Storage Space - Built-in wardrobes, utility areas, and practical storage solutions add real appeal.

Small upgrades aligned with tenant priorities can significantly reduce void periods and increase tenant satisfaction.If you’d like advice on how to make your property more attractive in today’s market, contact us for a rental review.

20/03/2026

If you’re a landlord, you’ve probably seen bits about the Renters Rights changes and thought… “I should probably look into that.”

This event is exactly for that.

A relaxed, local evening where we’ll explain what’s changing, what it means in practice, and the options landlords are considering right now.

📅 31 March
📍 Edenwood Place
⏰ 6:00pm

Free to attend.

03/03/2026

In 2025, cash buyers accounted for 28% of the overall market, meaning mortgaged buyers made up the remaining 72%. These proportions are back in line with levels seen in 2021 and 2022, before the significant rise in interest rates.

In 2023, there was a particularly strong presence of cash buyers (not requiring a mortgage): 34% of sales England and Wales were for cash, compared with a 28% average over the previous five years.

This trend started to reverse in 2024, as mortgage interest rates started to come down and affordability improved. Mortgaged purchases increased as a result, with the share of cash sales slipping to 31%.

The reversal was completed in 2025, as interest rates fell further and affordability continued to improve. Mortgaged sales have now returned to the five-year average seen prior to 2023.

This is a signal that the market conditions are back to a more usual status quo. When interest rates were at their highest, the market was unusually reliant on cash buyers. A broader mix of buyers has now returned.

Looking ahead to 2026, further expected falls in interest rates and continued improvements in affordability should help support the modest price growth anticipated this year.

Source: Dataloft by PriceHubble, Land Registry HPI

09/01/2026

This is how our fully managed landlords feel in 2026. Relaxed, reassured, and confident that their rental homes are in safe hands.If being a landlord feels stressful — or you’d just like a helping hand this year — call us on 01634 361245.

08/01/2026

🏡 homeowners in Medway, did you know this?

Property prices in the Medway towns have risen by 16.6% in the last five years 📈

That’s not just a nice headline number. For many homeowners, that’s:
✔ More equity
✔ More options
✔ More flexibility for your next move

If you’re thinking about selling, upsizing, downsizing, or even just curious what your home might be worth in today’s market, now is a very sensible time to review your position.

The market has moved. The question is… have your plans moved with it?

Feel free to drop us a message or comment “VALUE” and we’ll happily point you in the right direction.