Ex-Monzo cohort rise to save rental property market

Covid-19 has led to increased demand in the rental market. Rental enquiries are up 20% in January alone and Fronted has accelerated their launch plans after hibernating the business during covid-19.

Renters’ demands are shifting, with searches for properties with gardens, parking, garages, balconies and pet-friendly rentals are more popular. Renters are also the most likely to be affected financially by furlough schemes and not being able to work from home. These two factors are driving more people to Fronted.

“We are getting 1,000 applications a month coming through the site; much more than we thought we would get at this stage.” Jamie Campbell, Fronted’s CEO commented. “We have launched ahead of raising capital to help renters move without needing to save up five weeks’ rent for their deposit – so they can act on their desire to move.”

Fronted was created after seeing the lack of options available that are built for renters. All of the deposit alternative products in the market are either built or owned by estate agents or align their interests to landlords. The Fronted Deposit splits the large upfront cost of a renter’s security deposit over 12 months, the usual length of a tenancy. By dividing up the cost, renters no longer have to dip into savings or delay moving while they wait for their deposit to be returned.

The business was forced into hibernation during the first lockdown when the property market closed for four months in 2020. Since then, Fronted has completed development and gained FCA approval to launch.

“Small businesses and startups have had a tough year.” Jamie continued, “like other business owners we were forced to put plans on hold, but now we are launching with more demand than we can serve and a rental market that needs Fronted more than ever.”

Fronted makes money by charging 12.5% fixed interest on their Fronted Deposit product. They advertise approvals in 24hours; no hard credit checks and no early repayment fees – for people who want to cost effectively bridge between two deposits.