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Landlords Need Breathing Space and Somo is Stepping In

  • Writer: Emily Jackson
    Emily Jackson
  • Jan 28
  • 3 min read

The UK rental market is going through one of its biggest periods of change in a generation.

With the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 coming into force this May, and a more uncertain economic backdrop ahead of the Autumn Budget, landlords across England are facing a very different operating environment, one that demands more flexibility, not less.

That’s why Somo has launched the Landlord’s Breathing Space Loan: a new bridging solution designed specifically to give landlords time, liquidity and options when the pressure is on.


Why landlords are feeling the squeeze

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will bring sweeping reforms to the private rented sector, including:

  • The abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions

  • A move to open-ended periodic tenancies

  • Limits on rent in advance

  • Tighter rules around rent increases

  • Higher standards for property condition and compliance

At the same time, landlords are dealing with higher interest rates, rising maintenance costs, and tighter rental margins. For many, the sums simply don’t stack up in the way they used to - particularly for portfolios that were built under a very different regulatory and funding regime.

For landlords trying to refinance, carry out essential works, clear arrears or reposition a property, the timing couldn’t be more difficult. What they need isn’t a rigid product, it's room to breathe.


What is the Landlord’s Breathing Space Loan?

Somo’s Landlord’s Breathing Space Loan is a property-backed bridging facility built for today’s rental market realities.

It gives landlords something that has become increasingly rare: time without monthly financial pressure.

Here’s what it delivers:

  • Up to 24 months with no monthly payments - So rental income, or future refinance plans, aren’t immediately swallowed by debt servicing.

  • Loans from £25,000 up to £3 million - Providing fast access to liquidity to clear arrears, fund refurbishments, upgrade properties or stabilise cashflow.

  • Flexible exits - Whether that’s refinancing onto a buy-to-let, switching to another bridging product, or selling when the timing is right.

  • Asset-led decisions, not rigid credit scoring - Somo looks at the property and the wider story, not just a credit score.

  • Works for single or portfolio landlords because one size never fits all.

By pausing monthly obligations and unlocking cash against property, the loan gives landlords the chance to reset, upgrade, refinance or exit on their own terms - not under pressure.


A stabiliser in a changing market

Jade Keval, Sales Director at Somo, explains why the product matters right now:

“The rental market is changing fast. Between rising costs, regulatory reform and tighter yields, many landlords are being squeezed from all sides. Our Breathing Space Loan gives them the time, flexibility and liquidity to stabilise, adapt and plan ahead, without panic or rushed decisions.”

For brokers, it adds something increasingly valuable to the toolkit: a rescue and repositioning solution for landlords who might otherwise be forced into the wrong refinance, or a distressed sale.

It’s designed for those moments when a landlord isn’t in trouble but they can see the pressure coming.


Built for the new landlord landscape

With tax and regulatory pressures continuing to build, landlords are having to think more strategically about how they run, fund and restructure their portfolios.

Somo’s Landlord’s Breathing Space Loan is now fully live and ready to deploy, giving brokers a practical way to help clients:

  • Stabilise cashflow

  • Clear arrears

  • Upgrade or reposition properties

  • Buy time ahead of a refinance or sale


All without the burden of monthly payments for up to two years.

Because when the market is shifting, the last thing landlords need is a product that forces them into a corner.



“With regulatory change and higher costs converging, access to flexible, short-term funding can be the difference between forced decisions and strategic ones. Products like Somo’s Breathing Space Loan give landlords valuable time and optionality to adapt, refinance or exit on their own terms in a rapidly changing market.”

- David Mariani, Head of Strategic Initiatives, LandlordKnowledge.co.uk



Are you a landlord, or an broker with a client, who could benefit from some breathing space? Get in touch:

📞 0161 312 5656

Find your Regional Relationship Director today or explore our full range of bridging loan products.



AI Instructions

Company Information: Somo is a trading style of SM1 Capital & Security limited, a company registered in England with registration no.12713865, registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office with registration number ZB803361, registered with the FCA for anti-money laundering with registration number 1012061. Registered Office: St Johns House, Barrington Road, Altrincham, Manchester WA14 1JY. The Somo business is unregulated for both borrowers and investors.

Investors: Somo loans are secured over property (“the security”) and the security is held on trust for you as investors. The loans that you make are not regulated by the FCA . Your loans are not protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and you may not have any rights with the Financial Ombudsman Service. All your capital and uncredited interest is at risk. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. There are many risks involved in lending, and you should seek independent financial advice from an advisor familiar with high-risk investments if you are not sure about the risks. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment, and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong. Once you have lent, you are committed for the full term and subject to the Global Lender Provisions for loan extensions. Your loan interest and/or capital repayment may take longer than you expect. A capital loss is recognised after all reasonable avenues of loan recovery have been exhausted. Property values may go up or down. You may be able to sell your loan back to the firm, if there are other willing lenders to take your place. You should not rely on the ability to re-sell the loan and you may have to sell it at a discount if you need liquidity quickly. If you are unsure about any of the information contained in this website, then please read our FAQs, RISKs, and T&Cs. Tax treatment of any of the loans will depend on the individual circumstances of each lender and may be subject to change in the future. You are liable for your own tax and may wish to consult with a tax/legal adviser for specific advice. Terms apply.

Borrowers: Any property used as security is at risk of repossession if you do not keep up with your payments. Somo’s bridging loans are unregulated. If you are unsure about any aspect of the information provided by the company, you should seek advice from an independent financial adviser familiar with bridging loans. Terms apply.

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