Despite Brexit uncertainty impacting house price growth, changes to tax regulations and a hike in stamp duty thresholds for buy-to-let landlords, the UK property market remains one of the most consistent investment options available in today’s markets.
So much so, that investment into the real estate, renting and business sector has risen by almost half (48.4%) over the last five years, being one of the largest increases in the non-manufacturing industries behind only ‘construction’ and ‘other service’ sectors in terms of performance.
The latest research by the peer-to-peer lending platform Sourced Capital has revealed where is currently home to the best bricks and mortar investment options based on current rental yields across the UK property market.
What’s happening nationally and regionally?
Currently, the average rental yield sits at 4% across the UK, but the nation offering the best top-line yields at the moment is Scotland at 5.8%, closely followed by Northern Ireland at 5.4%, with England also coming in just above the UK average at 4.1%.
Regionally, the North East (4.9%), Yorkshire and the Humber (4.5%) and the North West (4.4%) are home to the most favourable rental yields.
What are the best buy-to-let spots in the UK?
Scotland’s current buy-to-let prowess is also clear on a local level, with 14 of the top 20 areas for current yields located north of the border.
Glasgow tops the list with yields hitting 7.8% on average, followed by West Dunbartonshire (7.2%) and Inverclyde (7.1%).
Burnley ranks highest in England, coming sixth in the table with an average rental yield of 6.6%, closely followed by Belfast (6.4%).
Other areas outside of Scotland to make up the top 20 include Blackpool (5.9%), Country Durham (5.8%), Pende (5.8%) and Hyndburn (5.8%).
In London, Tower Hamlets is currently home to the highest yields at 4.7%, followed by neighbouring Newham (4.6%) and Barking and Dagenham (4.6%).
The Boris Bounce
Stephen Moss, founder and managing director of Sourced Capital, comments: “One positive that can be taken from months of stagnant house price growth brought on by Brexit uncertainty is that rental yields have seen a boost due to a fall in property values coupled with consistently high rental demand and rental prices as a result.”
He says we’ve already seen a Boris-inspired bounce late last year, with early signs that the market has ‘bottomed out’ and is on the rise already in 2020.
“As a result, we’ve also seen an early flurry of investor activity as they realise now is a great time to get a foot in the door and secure a good deal before prices do regain momentum and the returns available start to tighten,” Moss adds.
“With the property sector remaining one of the most consistent where investment over the last five years is concerned, we expect to see yet further growth over the year and beyond and whether you choose to invest in your own buy-to-let property or via the peer-to-peer channel, now is as good a time as any to commit while the market is still finding its feet.”
Below shows the top 20 highest rental yields in the UK:
Location |
Rental Yield |
Glasgow City |
7.8% |
West Dunbartonshire |
7.2% |
Inverclyde |
7.1% |
Midlothian |
6.9% |
East Ayrshire |
6.6% |
Burnley |
6.6% |
Belfast |
6.4% |
Dundee City |
6.3% |
Falkirk |
6.3% |
Aberdeen City |
6.1% |
Clackmannanshire |
6.1% |
Na h-Eileanan Siar |
5.9% |
Renfrewshire |
5.9% |
North Ayrshire |
5.9% |
Blackpool |
5.9% |
County Durham |
5.8% |
Pendle |
5.8% |
Hyndburn |
5.8% |
Moray |
5.8% |
North Lanarkshire |
5.7% |