Stafford’s rental market has quietly matured into one of the most dependable in the West Midlands corridor. With average rents across Stafford Borough sitting at around £950–£995 per calendar month in 2026, and tenant demand holding firm across multiple property types, landlords here are working with a market that rewards local knowledge.
Whether you manage a single buy-to-let or hold a portfolio across several postcodes, the key to stronger returns in 2026 is understanding which micro-market matches your investment goals. This Stafford landlord guide breaks down four key areas – ST16, ST17, ST18 and Penkridge – so you can make informed decisions about where to buy, what to let, and who you are likely to attract as tenants.
ST16: higher yields and urban rental demand
ST16 remains Stafford’s highest-yielding postcode for landlords focused on gross returns. Areas such as Castlefields, Doxey and Forebridge continue to generate gross yields in the region of 6.0–6.8%, driven by strong demand from younger renters, single professionals and smaller households who want walkable access to Stafford town centre, the railway station and local amenities.
What the tenant profile looks like in ST16
The typical ST16 tenant is often a young professional, a key worker or a single-person household. Properties in Castlefields and Forebridge – many of which are Victorian terraces and mid-century semis – let quickly and tend to attract tenants looking for affordability rather than space.
Two- and three-bedroom terraces in this area represent the sweet spot for landlords. They are accessible to acquire, relatively straightforward to manage, and consistently in demand.
Compliance watch for ST16 landlords
Landlords with older stock in Castlefields and Forebridge should be aware that proposed EPC C improvement requirements are likely to affect pre-1919 terraces in particular. While the confirmed regulatory timeline continues to develop, planning ahead for insulation upgrades, boiler replacements and draught-proofing will protect both your asset value and your compliance position.
HMO landlords in ST16 should also ensure their licensing is current. Properties occupied by five or more unrelated individuals require a mandatory HMO licence, and Stafford Borough Council enforces this actively.
ST17: family lets, longer tenancies and lower turnover
If yield is not your primary driver and you are more focused on stability, low void periods and longer tenancies, ST17 is arguably the strongest area in the borough for that strategy.
Wildwood, Rising Brook and Baswich
Neighbourhoods including Wildwood, Rising Brook and Baswich consistently attract families and established professionals. These are areas with good school catchments, green space and a quieter residential feel – exactly what longer-term tenants are looking for.
Landlords operating in ST17 typically see tenancy lengths of two years or more, which significantly reduces re-letting costs and void periods. While gross yields may sit slightly below those in ST16, the total return when factoring in reduced turnover costs can be highly competitive.
Three- and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached homes perform best here. Tenants in Wildwood and Baswich are often dual-income families who treat the rental as a long-term home, meaning properties are generally well maintained.
ST18: professional and military demand near Beaconside
ST18 presents a distinct and often overlooked opportunity for Stafford landlords. The presence of MOD Stafford and the continued growth of the Beaconside business and retail corridor generates consistent demand from professional and military tenants.
Understanding the ST18 tenant mix
Military personnel and defence contractors often require furnished or part-furnished properties on fixed-term arrangements, which suits landlords who prefer structured tenancy agreements. Professional tenants linked to Beaconside employers tend to be reliable, employed on contracts, and motivated to maintain a good rental record.
Properties in ST18 that offer parking, a home office space or a second reception room tend to let faster and command a small premium. Landlords investing here should consider the practical needs of this demographic when preparing a property for the market.
Portfolio landlords and ST18
For portfolio landlords managing multiple properties across Stafford, ST18 acts as a useful complement to higher-yield ST16 stock. The lower-risk tenant profile and steady demand provide balance, particularly during periods when the broader market softens.
Penkridge: commuter stability and low-risk letting
Penkridge sits just south of Stafford on the West Coast Main Line and offers a different proposition entirely. Yields here are lower – typically in the 4.5–5.5% range – but demand is consistent, driven by commuters travelling to Birmingham, Wolverhampton and beyond.
Tenants in Penkridge are often established households who have chosen the village for its community feel, local schools and transport links. Void periods are low, and competition for well-presented rental homes is strong. For landlords who prioritise capital growth alongside income, Penkridge’s limited housing supply makes it a credible long-term hold.
What every Stafford landlord needs to know in 2026
Regardless of which area you invest in, 2026 brings important regulatory changes that affect all landlords across England.
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025
The Renters’ Rights Act is reshaping the private rented sector. Key reforms include the transition to periodic tenancies and the removal of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, with implementation taking place in phases. Landlords should stay informed about the latest commencement dates and regulatory requirements.
This makes tenant referencing, clear tenancy documentation and proactive property management more important than ever. Working with an experienced letting agent who understands the new legislation will be essential for landlords across ST16, ST17, ST18 and Penkridge alike.
EPC and energy efficiency obligations
Proposed requirements to bring rental properties up to an EPC C rating are particularly relevant for landlords with older stock in Castlefields and Forebridge. Budgeting for energy efficiency improvements now – rather than waiting for confirmed deadlines – will protect your letting position and avoid potential void periods caused by non-compliance.
Making the right choice for your investment goals
Stafford’s rental market offers something for every type of landlord. Higher yields in ST16, stable family life in ST17, professional demand in ST18 and commuter-led consistency in Penkridge each represent a valid strategy depending on what you want from your investment.
The landlords who perform best in this market are those who align their property type, tenant profile and management approach to the specific micro-market they are operating in.
At Belvoir Stafford, we work with landlords across all of these areas – from single buy-to-let owners to portfolio investors – helping them navigate both the commercial and compliance landscape with confidence.
If you would like to understand what your property could achieve in the current market, book a valuation with Belvoir Stafford today and get an accurate, up-to-date rental appraisal tailored to your specific postcode.
To discuss your lettings strategy, compliance obligations or portfolio plans in more detail, get in touch with the team at Belvoir Stafford directly. We are here to help you make the most of what Stafford’s rental market has to offer in 2026.
