Navigating the Crewe & Stoke-on-Trent Property Markets with SPH Property Sourcing

Investing in property can be rewarding, but it isn’t without its challenges. Whether you’re buying your first investment property or adding to a portfolio, a knowledgeable and compliant sourcing agent can make a real difference.

SPH Property Sourcing are a NAPSA accredited team focused on Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent. They were founded by Jacky, Sue and James, and they bring something many investors don’t expect from a sourcing agent: they invest in these towns themselves.

We first sat down with the team earlier this year. Since then, NAPSA founder Tina Walsh has caught up with Jacky on camera to talk about viewings, auctions, local markets and the early days of building SPH. You’ll find those conversations throughout this article.

A Passion for Property Investment

▸ Watch the full interview

Jacky and James were investors long before SPH existed. After returning from living in Italy at the end of 2020, they began building a portfolio. It now includes a standard buy to let, a property let to a charity, and a flip completed through a purchase option agreement.

“My background is in education, so quite different from property,” says Jacky. “We had to get ourselves an education. We talked to a lot of people, listened to a lot of experts and learned from other investors’ positive and negative experiences along the way.”

SPH Property Sourcing team: James Kay (left), Sue Everall (middle), and Jacky Payne (right)

That experience shaped the foundation of SPH Property Sourcing. As James explains, “We realised that many investors, especially those looking to invest remotely or balancing busy schedules, don’t have the time to dedicate to sourcing properties. We realised we could use our knowledge to help other investors with their journey.”

The final piece came after hearing a NAPSA presentation on property sourcing. Sue, a longstanding friend of Jacky and James, brought a background in legal and compliance work. Jacky says, “We thought our different skills and knowledge would work well together as a team.”

That investing experience goes into every search they carry out for a client. “We’re not just doing this to make money,” Jacky says. “We’re doing this because we’re passionate about being able to invest, and we feel we have something to offer other people.”

Property Opportunities in Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent

One of SPH’s defining strengths is their knowledge of both Crewe (Cheshire) and Stoke-on-Trent (Staffordshire). The two are geographically close, but they offer distinctly different investment landscapes.

Both are former industrial areas moving into a new era, and both are well connected by road and rail in the centre of the UK. Entry prices are also still well below those of nearby cities. “The entry level for property is still quite low compared with Manchester, Sheffield and Birmingham,” says Jacky. “That makes it quite appealing.”

Crewe (Cheshire)

“Crewe is a town that continues to surprise us,” says James. “It boasts affordability, strong connectivity and a robust rental market. The cancellation of HS2 in the area has been a setback for Crewe. While the initial expectations of a property price boom may no longer be realistic, Crewe still has potential for growth and development.”

Crewe remains a hub for major employers such as Bentley Motors, Alstom and Leighton Hospital, which creates consistent demand for rental properties. A new Leighton Hospital is planned to replace the current one. Planning permission was granted in June 2026, and main construction is expected to start in 2028.

Stoke-on-Trent (Staffordshire)

“Staffordshire, including Stoke-on-Trent, presents a more affordable entry point,” Jacky shares. “Here, investors can capitalise on higher rental yields driven by a growing rental market fuelled by regeneration, students and connectivity.”

With Staffordshire University, Royal Stoke University Hospital, and Keele University in nearby Newcastle-under-Lyme, the area offers a varied tenant pool. “I think there’s a really diverse tenant pool for the housing that’s there,” Jacky says, “and a lot of investment going into both places.”

“Both Stoke-on-Trent and Crewe have varied micro markets, so due diligence is essential,” notes James. “Don’t assume that trends in one area will necessarily apply to another. They both have an industrial heritage which an investor needs to be aware of.”

The SPH Sourcing Process

At SPH, the client experience is central. Each client is guided through a tailored sourcing process, with every step kept as clear and transparent as possible.

1. Professional Onboarding

As NAPSA accredited members, the team follow the due diligence processes legally required for every investor client. “Compliance ensures that laws and regulations related to property transactions, data protection and anti money laundering are followed,” notes Sue. “Compliance is our top priority and the reason that we joined NAPSA.”

2. Understanding Your Goals

“We start by really getting to know the investor,” Sue explains. “Communication is key to making sure we source the right properties and meet their budget, location preferences and timeframe.”

3. Properties That Match

Once a client’s goals are clear, SPH use their local knowledge to find suitable properties. They view each one with the same care they take as investors. “We approach client viewings with the same level of care and due diligence as if we were investing our own money,” says Jacky.

4. Professional Deal Presentations

Clients receive clear, detailed deal presentations. “We want our clients to feel completely confident when making decisions,” says Sue.

5. Completion Support

Once a client is happy to proceed, SPH hand over to solicitors and keep an eye on the sale through to completion. “Our goal is to save clients time and effort, while giving them peace of mind that we’re taking care of the details,” adds Jacky.

A refurbished kitchen, before and after

Prioritising Compliance and Integrity

Compliance is fundamental to how SPH operate. “Compliance is non negotiable for us,” says Sue. “From anti money laundering to data protection, we’ve worked hard to make sure every process is efficient and secure.”

Jacky is open about how much difference NAPSA's support made in the early days. “We wouldn’t have known what to do. We wouldn’t have known where to start,” she says. “There’s so much more involved than finding a house and offering it to someone. Understanding the sequence and how everything links together is very important, and it’s been invaluable to us.”

👉 Learn more about SPH's credentials via their NAPSA profile

The UK Property Investment Landscape is Evolving

“The property investment landscape is constantly evolving, influenced by factors like interest rates, economic growth, demographic shifts and government policy,” says James.

With the Renters’ Rights Act now being phased in, staying informed matters more than ever. The team attend property shows, webinars and local networking events. They also use property data platforms to monitor market performance and spot potential opportunities.

Tailored Property Services for Diverse Investor Needs

Beyond sourcing, SPH offer two services that can be used alongside their sourcing or on their own.

Property Viewing Reports

For investors who can’t view in person, SPH visit on their behalf and report back. “We can take photos, we can do videos, whatever the investor wants,” says Jacky. “It saves them having to take time off work to travel.”

Project Monitoring

SPH check in on refurbishment projects and report on progress. They’re clear that they don’t manage refurbs themselves. “What we can offer is the peace of mind of knowing that somebody independent is going in to see what’s going on,” Jacky explains. “A lot of investors in Stoke and Crewe are remote, and this means they’re not just relying on the builder saying it’s all going fine.”

👉 Read more: Investing from a distance: why independent eyes on the ground matter

SPH Property Sourcing's Future Plans

Looking ahead, SPH are exploring the HMO market. “We’re always looking for ways to improve and grow,” says James. “The property landscape is constantly changing, and we’re committed to staying ahead of trends to deliver the best possible opportunities for our clients.”

“For new investors, our local knowledge and professional contacts may provide helpful resources,” adds Sue. “Our goal is to support investors in making informed decisions. We aim to be part of their team, offering support on the ground.”

Get Started with SPH Property Sourcing

The Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent property markets are rich with opportunity - and SPH Property Sourcing is here to help you uncover it.

• Local knowledge of Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent, built through their own investing

• Full compliance, with NAPSA accreditation for added assurance

• A professional, personal approach with each client’s brief

Download your free guide here

To find out more about SPH’s services or discuss your next investment, visit their NAPSA profile or get in touch with the team directly.

Contact SPH Property Sourcing

Book a call: sphps.co.uk/contact

Website: sphps.co.uk

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 07535 616089

NAPSA profile: napsa.org.uk/sourcers/sph-property-sourcing-limited

The content in this article does not constitute financial, legal or investment advice. Always seek independent professional advice based on your own circumstances.