Demand for rental homes in UK shot up by 23% as rents hit record high in the last year. Research has shown that the number of people enquiring about homes to rent is up by nearly a quarter, piling more pressure on an oversubscribed market and pushing record private rents even higher.

This is partly driven by some would-be buyers putting their plans on hold in the hope that mortgage rates will drop in the later part of the year. Mortgage rates are expected to stabilize at a higher level than buyers have been used to in recent years, and first-time buyers have been hardest hit by the jump in mortgage rates.

Renters are likely to find competition for a suitable rental home much fiercer than in the sales market, and choice more limited, leading to an extremely frustrating situation for many people in the rental market, with demand so high.

Since the pandemic began, the number of tenants looking for a property has far outweighed the number of rental homes available. Whilst rents tracked earning closely, rental growth have jumped from the average of 2.5% per year to a record 22% in the last year and even more in the capital and other cities.

The impact of the post-Covid return to the city has been acute and while history suggests that the rental market will correct to earnings, the underlying supply/demand balance could be squeezed by the influx of overseas students and corporates who are not reliant on personal earnings.

Currently, the UK will need nearly 230,000 new rental homes to avoid a shortfall if the current growth in demand continues. This persistent shortage of new housing, adding to soaring house-price growth, have forced many people to rent for longer.

The supply crisis that has now engulfed the UK housing sector has prompted many investors around the world to take notice of the presented strong yields currently and growth to come in the foreseeable future.

While some buyers are still sitting on the fence waiting for the prices to come down even more, the more astute buyers have already began their hunt. According to Ms Shelvin Tan, CEO of Red Bean Consultancy (RBC), "We have seen a good increase in Malaysians enquiring on properties in the UK especially for those priced between the GBP300,000 to GBP600,000 in the last few months. Those who are cashed up are especially keen to secure multiple properties to take advantage of the current rental boom and use this low period to negotiate harder with developers and increase their portfolio before prices go back again probably in the later part of the year once the high inflation issue has calmed down."

With the massive rental increase across the UK, international landlords have recorded higher yields especially on affordable homes where exceptional demand has been seen.

Those who are pushed out of the capital due to more expensive rentals and higher costs of living are also looking to rent in well-connected towns where they could commute easily into London for work and study.

While it is not as well known as other investment locations, Slough property for sale represents a standout opportunity for investors. An established London commuter town, lying just 35 KM west of Central London, it offers affordable properties compared to London and is just 15 minutes direct into London Paddington.

A vital part of discovering property investment is tenant demand. Long-term sustainable demand means long-term returns and higher growth potential. This is what makes Slough But-to-Let property so popular.

Slough is an established major town with a thriving innovation and investment hub. The Slough Trading Estate is one of the biggest in the world, housing over 500 businesses including tenants such as O2, Fiat Group, Yell, McAfee, Electrolux, GlaxoSmithKline, Mars, The LEGO Group, Virgin Media amongst many others.

Strategically placed at the leafy Royal County of Berkshire that is recognized by Queen Elizabeth II due to the presence of Windsor Castle. Slough is also known for the M4 tech corridor and the digital businesses' strong presence and high concentration.

With career opportunities available at huge global brands as well as property prices that half of that of London, many young professionals are starting to choose Slough as their home. Young professionals are one of the most desirable demographics for Buy-to-let investors and make up the largest percentage of the UK rental market.

This will play a huge part in forecasting the growth in Slough with population growth expected in a still very affordable yet connected town.

Capital appreciation is a clear objective for many investors alongside yields and demand. Investing in Slough property has the potential for incredible results, especially considering the trajectory that the town is on in terms of new development.

At the moment, the Slough property market is one of the most affordable in the South East of England, and much more affordable than the nearby London market. The average property price in Slough is approximately GBP395,000 compared to London at approximately GBP649,000. This means demand for Slough property will remain incredibly high, especially when we consider its proximity to London and relatively low levels of supply in the market.

In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to to create a more prosperous, sustainable, and attractive community in Slough. The Slough Borough Council and Morgan Sindall Investments Ltd worked together at delivering a 15-year regeneration programme for the town, Slough Urban Renewal (SUR) project. The project includes the redevelopment of the town center, the creation of new housing, and the improvement of public spaces and transportation infrastructure.

The regeneration of the Slough Trading Estate will also have a significant impact towards the town's future. Already being one of the largest single ownership industrial estates in a single location in Europe, there will be a creation of new commercial and industrial space, combined with the existing infrastructure and transport links. With the regeneration initiative, the estate is set to be an even more attractive location for businesses looking to establish a presence in the UK, translating into not only an exceptional talent but a very strong tenant pool for landlords there.

The opening of Crossrail also has had a very positive effect on Slough, improving transport links and reducing journey times to London and other destinations. Also known as the Elizabeth Line, this is major new railway that will connect London, Heathrow Airport, and Reading, with fast and frequent services running through central London. The new line will provide fast and direct services to London's West End, the City, and Canary Wharf.

In addition, there will be a major infrastructure project in the town planning pipeline, aiming to connect Slough directly to Heathrow Airport via the new Western Rail Link that will link Heathrow Airport to Slough directly in just 7 minutes.

The town has seen several new housing developments in recent years, including apartments and houses aimed at a range of different budgets and lifestyles. One of the most important developments includes the regeneration of the former Horlicks Factory site into a new residential and commercial development, the Horlicks Quarter.

For more than a century, the world-famous malted milk drink Horlicks was manufactured here and shipped around the world. The Horlicks Factory has been the town's most recognized and loved icon. Today the site is being transformed into a unique and innovative mixed-used development where history blends seamlessly with modern sustainable living. Designed and built to Berkeley's meticulous standards of quality and finish, the new homes are set in beautiful surroundings, landscaped parks and gardens with tranquil water features.

With a low entry price point from GBP280,000 that comes along with promising rental yield, investors can reap the benefits of investing in the early phases development of Horlicks Quarter.

This exciting development lies in the heart of Slough, just a few minutes' walk from the town center and train station where there are 15-minute trains into London Paddington.

The landmark "Clocktower Collection" comprises of the iconic Clocktower and soaring Chimney, and is being transformed into a superb collection of 1,2 and 3 bedroom new and refurbished apartments, and 3 bedroom townhouses, surrounded by landscaped grounds that celebrate the beauty of nature.

The launch of the Clocktower Collection will be held exclusively with RBC at Four Seasons Hotel KL on 11th & 12th March (Sat & Sun) between 10am to 6pm. A special seminar will be hosted on "How to make your UK investment more tax effective". Register with Shelvin Tan of RBC at 0122857618 for limited seminar seats and further information on the UK market and Horlicks Quarter.