By Scott Lord,

Deputy Chief Credit Risk Officer at Market Financial Solutions

A general rule of thumb in life that regularly pops up is that we should think globally, and act locally. These days, the phrase often concerns our environmental challenges. But given what we’ve seen in recent weeks, property investors will undoubtedly be considering what to do with their homegrown portfolios in the face of dramatic geopolitical shifts.

Most, if not all of us, are likely watching the Trump administration very closely right now. And rightfully so. The ongoing risk of heightened trade wars has already dramatically impacted the stock markets, and foreign exchange rates. The question remains, what effect could this all have on our own market?

Well, according to a number of specialist finance insiders, we may broadly see our GDP hit by a global downturn – should things go wrong. In turn, this could lead to lending hesitancy, hiked taxes, raised costs, and the like.

Property investors themselves also appear worried. For Market Financial Solutions’ independent Q1 research, we surveyed landlords on their thoughts on the state of the market, and the outlook for the year ahead. Within the survey, we asked our respondents to select up to 3 potential risks that could impact their BTL portfolios in 2025.

Outside of renters’ ability to meet their payments should inflation rise, domestic political or economic instability that could negatively affect the property market (34.5%), and global political or economic instability that could negatively affect the property market (28%) took the top spots.

Worrying headlines should be heeded. But what’s important for property investors, as well as the lenders they work with, is that we all adapt to the shifting news as necessary. In fact, there is evidence that as the market adapts to what’s happening globally, our local market could benefit.

We could see an influx of demand from investors from dollar-pegged currencies who are keen to embrace a more stable market. Specifically, this could include buyers from the likes of the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Hong Kong, and, of course, the US itself.

There is already precedent here. American property investors have flocked to London’s property market for its stability. This demand may continue as global investors continue to adapt. Indeed, recent estimates from Beauchamp Estates detail that enquiries from US buyers have grown by 25% since November.

The UK property market, for all its faults and challenges, is looking steady. The appeal of that in a global economy cannot be underestimated. In fact, analysis of Land Registry data shows that nearly 190,000 properties in England and Wales were owned by foreign buyers in 2024 – a 2.6% rise on 2023.

Should this figure rise further over the coming months, overseas investors will be able to turn to the specialist finance market for support. Broadly, bespoke lenders are welcoming of overseas buyers and foreign nationals.

Moreover, should investors seek to diversify their holdings, and perhaps move part of their wealth from chaotic stock or currency markets, specialist finance may be able to help. Bridging finance is there for first time buyers, as well as seasoned pros.

Hopefully, all the alarmism in the press will die down as we head into spring. In the meantime, though, the specialist market will be there for a readjusting globa