Planning permission for Universal Studios Bedford has officially been granted. The green light came into effect on 12 January 2026, following legal commencement of the Special Development Order (SDO), paving the way for one of the UK’s most ambitious entertainment projects.
With construction expected to begin later this year, landlords and property investors across Bedfordshire are paying close attention. A global theme park and film studio development of this scale will reshape the local property landscape. In this article, we look at what this milestone means for house prices, rental demand and buy-to-let returns across MK43, MK42 and MK45.
What’s been approved – and why it matters to homeowners
The new resort will be the first Universal Studios theme park in Europe. Spearheaded by Universal Destinations & Experiences, the park will include themed lands, a cinema complex, hotels, restaurants and a working film studio. It will bring an estimated 20,000 permanent jobs and over £50 billion in wider economic value over the next decade.
The scale of the approval is immense. The park will span 480 acres near Stewartby, Bedford, taking over the former brickworks site and placing the region firmly on the map as a global leisure destination.
For property investors, this isn’t just a story of tourism. It signals a long-term increase in demand for housing from workers, suppliers, support services and visiting families. This level of interest can influence everything from rental prices to capital growth projections across the Bedford area.
MK43, MK42 and MK45: the postcodes set to benefit most
Buy-to-let landlords looking to position themselves early are already zeroing in on a number of key locations. Proximity to the development and transport routes will be a major factor.
Properties in:
- Stewartby
- Kempston
- Wixams
- Wootton
- Ampthill
are expected to see early and sustained attention from both tenants and buyers.
According to the latest Rightmove House Price Index (Dec 2025), average house prices in the MK43 postcode were already trending upwards, with a 5.4% annual increase, outpacing the East of England average. Meanwhile, Zoopla’s December Property Market Report shows that Bedfordshire demand levels rose by 8.1% quarter-on-quarter, with demand strongest for two and three-bedroom homes.
With construction confirmed, that demand is expected to rise again. Savvy landlords are already seeking properties with strong commuter links, off-street parking and garden space – all attractive features for young families and professionals.
A game-changer for infrastructure: Wixams railway station and beyond
Universal Studios Bedford isn’t the only thing getting built. The park has helped accelerate long-awaited transport infrastructure improvements across the region, including the fast-tracked delivery of Wixams railway station.
Expected to open ahead of the park in 2028, Wixams station will offer a direct line to London St Pancras and Cambridge, placing the region squarely within the London commuter belt. This will make towns like Elstow, Houghton Conquest and Wilstead even more appealing for tenants seeking balance between affordability, lifestyle and access.
Road upgrades, increased bus services and improved cycle paths are also in the pipeline. This kind of investment always has a knock-on effect on local rental values, particularly for properties within walking distance of key routes.
What this means for landlords and property investors
Let’s be clear: this is a moment of real opportunity. And timing matters.
Once construction begins in earnest, the demand for short-term lets and contractor accommodation will rise. As the park moves closer to completion, rental demand from permanent employees will follow. Then, there’s the impact on tourism – bringing opportunities for holiday lets, serviced apartments and family-friendly housing.
Here’s what landlords should be thinking about:
- Rental demand is likely to soar, particularly in MK43, with demand from construction workers, service staff and hospitality professionals.
- Capital values could rise significantly between now and 2030, especially for properties within a 5-mile radius of the park.
- The types of properties in highest demand are likely to include two-bedroom terraces, family homes and HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) aimed at shift workers.
For current homeowners, this could also be a smart time to explore buy-to-let options using existing equity. With the right property and location, returns could be strong over the medium term.
What to watch in 2024–2026: construction timeline and milestones
While legal approval is now in place, the real action begins throughout 2026. Key milestones include:
- Q2 2026: Groundworks and clearance begin
- Q4 2026: Major construction on hotels, infrastructure and early park areas
- 2027: Staff recruitment, housing demand and station build continue
- 2028: Expected opening of Wixams railway station
- 2029/30: Phased opening of the theme park and full resort launch
For landlords, this timeline creates windows of opportunity – first with construction-related rentals, then with long-term tenant demand.
Our advice? Don’t wait until the park is finished. The best rental returns often go to those who anticipate demand, not those who respond to it.
How Country Properties can help you make the most of this opportunity
At Country Properties, our teams across Ampthill, Flitwick, Shefford, Biggleswade and Hitchin are already seeing signs of change.
We’re speaking to landlords who want to expand their portfolio, and homeowners curious about their property’s rental potential.
We offer:
- Free rental valuations: Find out what your home could earn in the current market
- Local market insight: Our lettings experts live and work here
- Fully managed landlord services: Including compliance, tenant finding, rent collection and maintenance
- Support for first-time landlords: Step-by-step guidance and rental yield analysis
Explore our rental services or request a valuation today.
Final thoughts: Bedford’s Hollywood moment is your investment opportunity
Universal Studios Bedford is more than a tourism headline. It’s a powerful catalyst for long-term economic growth, infrastructure upgrades and housing demand across Bedfordshire.
For landlords, this could be the best moment in a generation to invest locally. For homeowners, it’s an opportunity to let, sell, or remortgage with confidence.
At Country Properties, we’re here to help you make the most of it. Whether you’re ready to expand your portfolio or simply curious about what your property might be worth, we’d love to hear from you.
Let’s get ahead of the curve – together.
