Portland Street, Stoke-on-Trent: From Boarded Up Homes to Regeneration

The Portland Street area of Stoke-on-Trent has become one of the city’s most talked about regeneration success stories. Once lined with boarded up Victorian terraced houses, Portland Street was symbolic of the challenges faced during the credit crunch and recession of the early 2010s.

In 2013, the area made international headlines, even drawing attention from ABC Radio in Australia and the BBC (read the BBC report here).

During that time, Findahome Online’s Managing Director was interviewed on ABC Radio, describing the scheme as “a good idea” because it allowed local first time buyers to finally step onto the property ladder. With lending tight and mortgage products scarce, the scheme offered affordable homes at a time when many were priced out of the market.

The regeneration initiative not only gave young buyers a chance to own their first home, but also breathed life back into the community, transforming once empty streets into thriving neighbourhoods. Local residents, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and community representatives all played a role in making the project a success.

Why Portland Street Still Matters Today

• First time buyers continue to face affordability challenges, and Portland Street remains an example of how targeted housing schemes can unlock opportunities.

• Stoke-on-Trent’s property market offers some of the most affordable homes in England, attracting both local buyers and investors.

• Ongoing regeneration projects across the city — from Hanley to Fenton and Longton — show how areas with historic housing stock can be revitalised.

For anyone considering buying or investing in Stoke-on-Trent, Portland Street’s story is a reminder of how the city’s housing market continues to evolve, offering opportunities for both homeowners and landlords.

🎧 Listen to the full ABC Radio interview with Findahome Online’s Managing Director here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YArN99RULeQ

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