Ten Best Places To Invest In UK Property In 2021 | Property Insider (2024)

Whilst 2020 has been a challenging year, the property market – to date – has boomed, driven by changing priorities for homeowners (and renters) along with the stamp duty holiday introduced by the Government back in July. The proof is there in the pudding for all to see – every region in the country recorded a rise in house prices in Septemberaccording to RICS’ September UK Residential Market survey – hitting an 18-year high.

Whether the record-breaking prices and transaction levels will maintain momentum through to 2021 or not we have yet to see, however what is certain is, either way, the market will continue to move. For investors, the question will be, now more so than ever due to shifts in priorities changing the landscape of demand across the UK, where are the top cities and towns to invest in 2021?

Here, leading UK developer SevenCapital has compiled its top ten best places to invest in UK property after analysing trends and data from multiple key sources including JLL and Zoopla, taking account of top areas for both past and forecasted rental yields and capital growth.

1.Birmingham

Average Price: £202,162

Average Rental Yield: 5.4%

Price Growth in Five Years: 14.2%

Continuing a strong run over the last five years, Birmingham once again tops the list as the best place to invest in the UK. Average rents have risen by 30% over the last 10 years and are expected to rise by 15.9% over the next four – figures which SevenCapital can pay testament to through the success of its own developments in the city, including 105 Broad Street.

With a raft of key projects upcoming and in the pipeline – notably the Midlands Metro extension, HS2 and the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the only way is up for Birmingham’s appeal, which is already being boosted as one of the top places for relocating Londoners. Its population is expected to hit 1.24 million by 2030.

2.Manchester

Average Price: £242,311

Average Rental Yield: 5.37%

Price Growth in Five Years: 15.76%

A truly Northern powerhouse where property is concerned, Manchester’s appeal continues to build momentum as a top place to invest, with house prices set to grow a further 17.1% according to JLL.

A host of career opportunities in global businesses and employment growth of 84% between 2002 and 2015 mean the city is now the top destination for young professionals in the North West.

With the Great North Rail project expected to come into effect by 2022, allowing 40,000 more passengers to travel throughout key cities in the North, Manchester certainly shows no sign of slowing down.

3.Liverpool

Average Price: £186,527

Average Rental Yield: 5.30%

Price Growth in Five Years: 8.45%

Another popular North West hotspot for renters, Liverpool boasts some of the highest yielding postcodes in the country – L1, commonly known as the Baltic Triangle, is one of Liverpool’s trendiest places to live and has delivered 8.1% annually in the past, whilst L7 has been known to deliver annual rental yields of 10%.

Whilst price growth hasn’t been as high as Birmingham or Manchester, JLL predicts a rise of 13.1% over the next four years, no doubt set to be bolstered by the £5.5 billion Liverpool Waters scheme which will deliver new public spaces and create 17,000 jobs. As far as affordability goes, Liverpool is ideal for those looking for a lower price point.

4.Nottingham

Average Price: £214,435

Average Rental Yield: 4.66%

Price Growth in Five Years: 16.92%

More affordable than the likes of Manchester, albeit on a par price wise with Birmingham, Nottingham has taken huge strides in recent years and now represents a key investment area. As with Liverpool, this city offers small pockets that achieve high yields of around 9% including the city centre NG1 postcode and NG7, which is home to the University of Nottingham – although this has slowed since lockdown.

With two major universities near the city centre and the Queens Medical Centre – a ‘super hospital’ home to 6,000 medical staff, demand in Nottingham continues to strengthen.

5.Newcastle

Average Price: £198,307

Average Rental Yield: 6.5%

Price Growth in Five Years: 6.2%

As the 8th largest city in the UK, Newcastle leads the way for investment in the North East of England. One of the most affordable locations in this top ten, Newcastle offers a strong average rental yield of 6.5%, although capital growth isn’t as strong over the past five years as other areas on this list.

That said, Newcastle has one of the best graduate retention rates in the country and is recognised as one of the fastest growing regions for new start-up businesses, both of which will likely boost demand from young professionals, which will in turn increase rental prices and thus, yields.

6.Leeds

Average Price: £268,037

Average Rental Yield: 5.1%

Price Growth in Five Years: 9.4%

Home to 800,000 people, 73% of households in Leeds are currently renting, making this an ideal spot for investors seeking long-term tenants and consistent returns.

Leeds’ economy is one of the fastest growing in the country, rivalling several European cities, which is having a huge impact on opportunities within the city – enticing nearly one in ten of those leaving London each year since 2018.

Whilst capital growth sits just under 10% over the past five years, JLL predicts an accelerated growth of 13.7% over the next five years, and 14.2% cumulative rental growth.

7.Edinburgh

Average Price: £333,691

Average Rental Yield: 4.19%

Price Growth in Five Years: 12.33%

Edinburgh is a permanent fixture in the residential investment league tables. Due to its huge popularity as a place to live and work, the Scottish capital has seen excellent price growth over the past decade, demonstrated by its slightly higher average price point than most of our top ten.

With its continually rising economy, JLL predicts a positive impact on property prices to the tune of 17.1% over the next five years – the highest growth rate of any UK city.

8.Bracknell

Average Price: £383,788

Average Rental Yield: 3.98%

Price Growth in Five Years: 11.02%

With London bearing the brunt of the impact from lockdown in 2020, with lowering demand from buyers and tenants alike, the emphasis has in turn heightened on areas outside the capital, with perhaps some surprises – Bracknell being one.

Home to a host of globally renowned tech businesses such as Dell, Microsoft and 3M, Bracknell is also in the midst of a large-scale £770 million regeneration which has already boosted its appeal significantly, with Knight Frank forecasting price growth to hit 17% over the next five years.

As for its track record, Bracknell’shouse prices have risen 249% over the last 20 years yet at less than an hour away from London, it’s still nearly half the price.

9.Sheffield

Average Price: £209,405

Average Rental Yield: 5%

Price Growth in Five Years: 11.41%

Sheffield has blossomed over recent years, thanks to circa £480 million being invested into developing its retail district and a wave of further improvements to amenities. As such, desirability in these central areas have increased, with rental yields reaching up to 7% in certain postcodes.

Crucially, Sheffield is also amongst the top markets emerging from lockdown, where according to Zoopla sales were 20% higher than at the start of the year.

10.Glasgow

Average Price: £194,545

Average Rental Yield: 5.2%

Price Growth in Five Years: 15.05%

Another key Scottish city that’s now regularly topping the investment charts for property is Glasgow. Offering a lower entry point than Edinburgh, what Glasgow has in favour is higher five-year capital growth to date and a slightly higher average rental yield, both of which look set to strengthen further over the next five years at 15.4% and 13.4% respectively.

View more detailed analysis from SevenCapital.

Sources: Zoopla, JLL

For more information visit sevencapital.com.

Connect with us: Twitter: @sevencapital Facebook: SevenCapitalPlc LinkedIn: SevenCapital

Ten Best Places To Invest In UK Property In 2021 | Property Insider (2024)

FAQs

Ten Best Places To Invest In UK Property In 2021 | Property Insider? ›

Bristol ranks as the joint-top best place to purchase rental properties in England and Wales, alongside Leeds. Bristol recorded a 14.4% increase in average house prices and a 14.3% increase in average rent. We calculated the estimated rental yield of a property in Bristol at 3.9%, using average house prices and rents.

Where is good to invest in property in UK? ›

Without further ado, here are the best places to invest in property in 2023.
  • Birmingham. £202,400. Average Property Price. ...
  • Derby. £180,966. Average Property Price. ...
  • Leeds. £205,600. Average Property Price. ...
  • Manchester. £215,700. Average Property Price. ...
  • Sheffield. £169,100. ...
  • Liverpool. £152,300. ...
  • Newcastle. £147,200. ...
  • Leicester. £223,800.

Where is the best place to buy rental properties in the UK 2023? ›

Bristol ranks as the joint-top best place to purchase rental properties in England and Wales, alongside Leeds. Bristol recorded a 14.4% increase in average house prices and a 14.3% increase in average rent. We calculated the estimated rental yield of a property in Bristol at 3.9%, using average house prices and rents.

What is the best type of property to invest in the UK? ›

Single let residential property has been long considered the best property investment strategy in the UK for two main reasons. Rental Income – Those property investing can earn monthly rent each month, which recently reached an all-time high of £1,199 PCM in the residential UK market.

Where is the best place to buy for rental income in the UK? ›

Research by Simply Business has identified the buy-to-let areas that are most popular with new landlords. We looked at which areas had the most landlords who've owned property for less than a year and taken out landlord insurance in 2022. London came top, followed by Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Nottingham.

What is the best investment right now in UK? ›

6 of the best short-term investments UK
  • Stocks and shares – Find the most popular and best shares to buy today.
  • Money market funds – Learn about money market mutual funds.
  • Short-term bonds – Discover how to invest in government bonds.
  • Bond ETFs – Find out more about bond ETFs and investing in bond funds.
May 9, 2023

Where is the best place to invest 100000 in UK? ›

Where to invest £100k
  • Cash. People rarely think of keeping money in the bank as an investment. ...
  • Stocks. Stocks and shares represent small pieces of equity in businesses. ...
  • Bonds. ...
  • Real estate. ...
  • Annuities. ...
  • Stocks and Shares ISA. ...
  • Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP)
Apr 23, 2023

Should I buy a house now or wait until 2023 UK? ›

While reduced interest rates may mean demand for houses could increase, this will also make monthly mortgage payments more affordable, which could mean 2023 is the perfect year for you to buy a house instead of waiting until 2024.

Are house prices going to drop in 2023 UK? ›

The average price of homes coming to the market has risen by 1.8%, or £6,647, from April, which is above the average increase for May. At the beginning of the year, research from Finanze suggested residential house prices could fall by 11% in 2023.

What is a good ROI for rental property UK? ›

There is no hard and fast rule as to what a good rental yield is, as your return will depend on the location of your property as well as your expenditures. As a very general rule to give you a rough idea of what to expect, a rental yield of 7% is considered a very good yield for a buy-to-let property.

How to invest $100 000 in property UK? ›

Top tips to invest £100,000
  1. Leverage your cash to buy multiple properties if possible.
  2. Buy high-quality property in commuter locations.
  3. Consider new areas that have real potential for capital growth.
  4. Scale your portfolio.
  5. Invest for the long term.
  6. Buy an investment property!

What is the best way to make money in property UK? ›

Of course, one of the easiest ways of making money off of a property is by simply leasing it. Long-term rentals are especially great as you don't have to bother finding new tenants every once in a while. Furthermore, there won't be downtime during which you won't earn money.

Who is the best property investor in the UK? ›

UK's Top 10 Richest Property investors
  1. Alisher Usmanov. [has a £48Mil Mansion London]
  2. Len Blavatnik. [Made fortune in the New York real estate]
  3. Sri and Gopi Hinduja. [Have multiple properties around the world]
  4. Lakshmi Mittal. ...
  5. Roman Abramovich. ...
  6. John Fredriksen. ...
  7. David and Simon Reuben. ...
  8. The Duke of Westminster.
Apr 22, 2013

Where is the highest ROI in the UK? ›

Analysis by Zoopla shows properties in the North East have the highest rental yield in the UK.

Is owning a house better than renting in the UK? ›

In summary: buying requires a bigger upfront cost, but renting is more expensive in the long term. A good rule of thumb is that buying a property becomes better value after around 10 years, compared to renting an identical property. Whether it's cheaper to buy or rent depends on several factors.

What is the safest investment with the highest return UK? ›

UK government bonds, also known as “gilts,” are loans that investors make to the government. Due to being underwritten by the government, they are considered the safest forms of investment. When you invest your money in this asset class, the government pays you a fixed rate of interest until the bond matures.

What is the safest thing to invest in UK? ›

Savings accounts and money market funds are arguably the safest types explored in this article. And subsequently, they provide the lowest levels of return. On the other hand, preferred shares and index funds are prone to more volatility, but offer superior levels of return.

What are the best investments for inflation UK? ›

  • Gold. Gold is considered a hedge against inflation; many consider gold as an 'alternative currency' particularly in countries where native tender loses value. ...
  • Commodities. ...
  • Real estate investment trusts (REITs) ...
  • Value stocks. ...
  • Inflation-linked bonds.

Where is the best place to keep money UK? ›

The safest places to keep your money are savings accounts or electronic money institutions (EMIs) that are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), your savings will be protected even if the bank goes bust.

Where to invest $50,000 in UK? ›

  • Investing £50k in property. While investing in property might be one of the safest and most profitable ways to invest £50k wisely, it isn't entirely without risk. ...
  • Stocks and shares ISAs. ...
  • ETFs. ...
  • Stocks. ...
  • Mutual funds. ...
  • Bonds. ...
  • Annuities. ...
  • Peer-to-peer lending.

What is the best investment for monthly income UK? ›

Where to invest money to get monthly income in the UK
  • Using passive income to provide dual income.
  • Stock market shares that pay monthly dividends.
  • Month income Investments in the UK from real estate.
  • Government and corporate bonds.
  • Cryptocurrencies are high risk.
  • Cash ISAs and stocks and shares ISAs.
Sep 1, 2022

What is the UK real estate outlook for 2023? ›

We expect a moderate recession throughout 2023, with GDP falling by 0.9%. In 2024 the economy will recover, growing by 1.7%. The key economic challenge is inflation, which has been at double digits for most of the second half of 2022, and hitting levels not seen since the 1980s.

Why buying real estate in 2023 is a good investment? ›

Despite what some may think, 2023 is still a good year to invest in real estate, thanks to advantages like long-term appreciation, steady rental income, and the opportunity to hedge against inflation. Mortgage rates are expected to decline, but the housing market is likely to remain competitive due to low supply.

Is the end of 2023 a good time to buy a house? ›

They expect home prices to improve in Q3 & Q4 this year, over in 2023 they expect the medium home will delince 5.6% compared to 2022, to $776,600 in 2023 ($822,300 in 2022). They had predicted a median 2023 price of $758,600 forecast last October.

Will houses be cheaper in 2024 UK? ›

Analysts at Nomura predict UK house prices will drop 15 per cent by mid-2024, estate agency Savills (SVS) and UK banking group Lloyds (LLOY) forecast prices will slump 10 per cent in 2023, while Knight Frank, another agency, is predicting a 10 per cent fall over 2023 and 2024.

Are UK house prices likely to fall? ›

House prices are likely to fall by more and for longer in real terms given inflation is proving sticky.” Home values have fallen more than 10% from their nominal peak in August when inflation is taken into account, according to an analysis by Bloomberg Economics.

What is the forecast for house prices in the UK? ›

In January, Halifax predicted prices to fall 8 per cent throughout 2023, while Capital Economics has forecasted a 12 per cent drop. According to others, these falls could spill into next year. The Office for Budget Responsibility expects house prices to tumble until September 2024.

What is the 50% rule in real estate? ›

Like many rules of real estate investing, the 50 percent rule isn't always accurate, but it can be a helpful way to estimate expenses for rental property. To use it, an investor takes the property's gross rent and multiplies it by 50 percent, providing the estimated monthly operating expenses. That sounds easy, right?

What is the 2% rule in real estate? ›

2% Rule. The 2% rule is the same as the 1% rule – it just uses a different number. The 2% rule states that the monthly rent for an investment property should be equal to or no less than 2% of the purchase price. Here's an example of the 2% rule for a home with the purchase price of $150,000: $150,000 x 0.02 = $3,000.

What is the best rental yield in the UK 2023? ›

The top spot in 2023 – SE28 in Greenwich (6.1%) – offers almost 1% more in yield compared with last year's winner – DA9 in Dartford. Thurrock, Camden and Barking all offer good opportunities too.

How to invest 150k in property UK? ›

6 Ways to Invest £150k
  1. Buy-to-Let Property. Cost: 4/5. Potential Returns: 5/5. ...
  2. Stocks. Cost: 3/5. Potential Returns: 5/5. ...
  3. Cryptocurrency. Cost: 3/5. Potential Returns: 5/5. ...
  4. Savings Accounts. Cost: 1/5. Potential Returns: 2/5. ...
  5. Peer-to-Peer Lending. Cost: 2/5. Potential Returns: 4/5. ...
  6. Bonds. Cost: 3/5. Potential Returns: 2/5.

Is investing in property a good idea UK? ›

It has proved to be an excellent way to generate and accumulate wealth over the long term, either through personal investment property portfolios or as a component of one of the UK's many institutional portfolios and pension funds.

Can I live in my investment property UK? ›

As already mentioned, you can't live in an investment property purchased with the help of a BTL mortgage. However, once the mortgage term ends and you've paid off outstanding debt, you can then move into the home as you already own it.

What adds the most value to a property UK? ›

How to add value to your home
  • Fit a new kitchen. ...
  • Build an extension. ...
  • Converting a garage, loft or cellar. ...
  • Make it more energy efficient. ...
  • Split your home into two or more properties. ...
  • Make it more open plan. ...
  • Improve the garden. ...
  • Give it a good clean.

What type of property makes the most money? ›

Commercial properties are considered one of the best types of real estate investments because of their potential for higher cash flow. If you decide to invest in a commercial property, you could enjoy these attractive benefits: Higher-income potential.

How to become a millionaire through property UK? ›

In this article, you will learn a few tips that can help you become a property millionaire in the UK with the right investments.
  1. Look for long term gain.
  2. Tax and mortgage efficiency makes a difference.
  3. Choose the location wisely.
  4. Research and have patience.
  5. Determine your tenant base.
Aug 30, 2021

Who is the largest property owner in England? ›

The government (together with its QUANGOs) is the biggest land owner by area, the Forestry Commission owning some 2,200,000 acres (890,000 ha), the MoD 1,101,851 acres (445,903 ha), the Crown Estate 678,420 acres (274,550 ha), DEFRA 116,309 acres (47,069 ha) and Homes England 19,349 acres (7,830 ha).

Who owns the most homes UK? ›

68% of White British households were homeowners. White British households had a higher rate of home ownership than most ethnic minority households. however, 74% of Indian households were homeowners, a higher rate than White British households.

What is the best real estate company in the UK? ›

Most Visited Real Estate Websites in United Kingdom
RankWebsiteCategory
1rightmove.co.ukBusiness and Consumer Services > Real Estate
2zoopla.co.ukBusiness and Consumer Services > Real Estate
3onthemarket.comBusiness and Consumer Services > Real Estate
4primelocation.comBusiness and Consumer Services > Real Estate
1 more row

Where to invest during UK recession? ›

Sectors that typically perform well during a recession

For example, consumer staples like food and water, as well as transport, and healthcare, all tend to outperform the various stock market indexes during a recession.

Where is the best place to invest $1,000 in UK? ›

Here are some of the established ways to invest £1k.
  • Stocks & shares ISAs. Invest your £1k in a stocks & shares ISA and you won't pay income tax or capital gains tax.
  • A pension. A great way to save for your retirement, and as you can tax relief on anything you pay in, within certain limits. ...
  • Shares. ...
  • Bonds.
Apr 27, 2023

Which city has the highest rental yield? ›

City-Wise Rental Income Trends
CitiesRental Yield (in %) in 2019Rental Yield (in %) in 2022
Bangalore3.63.9
Mumbai3.53.8
Navi Mumbai2.83.2
Thane2.72.9
5 more rows
Feb 17, 2023

What is a comfortable income UK? ›

The average wage that was seen as a sum on which people could live comfortably is £16,300 more than the £33,000 median annual pay for full-time employees in the tax year ending in April 2022, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures.

What is a decent income in UK? ›

What is a good salary in the UK? Between £2,500 and £3,000 is considered to be an ideal monthly net income in the UK. That salary could support a comfortable life in a city, including a two-bedroom flat, entertainment and leisure.

What is the top 10 of income in UK? ›

per year puts you in the above of households in the UK. The top 10% of households have an average equivalised disposable income of £70,900 per year while the bottom 10% have an average of £10,600. More details about how these data have been equivalised are available.

Is it cheaper to live in a flat or a house in UK? ›

Flats tend to be cheaper than houses in the same area, so if you're on a tight budget and there's a particular place you'd like to live, you'll probably find it easier to buy a flat than a house.

What is the average house rent in UK? ›

Average monthly rents outside London soared to a record high of £1,190 in the first quarter of this year, with tenants in the capital paying more than £2,500 for the first time, according to figures from the property website Rightmove.

Is it smarter to rent or buy? ›

Buying a house gives you ownership, privacy and home equity, but the expensive repairs, taxes, interest and insurance can really get you. Renting a home or apartment is lower maintenance and gives you more flexibility to move. But you may have to deal with rent increases, loud neighbors or a grumpy landlord.

Is buying property in the UK a good investment? ›

It has proved to be an excellent way to generate and accumulate wealth over the long term, either through personal investment property portfolios or as a component of one of the UK's many institutional portfolios and pension funds.

What is the average return for UK property? ›

At present, the average rental yield in the North is 7.4% whilst the average yield in the South is 5.2%, meaning that there is a 2.2% gap. For property investors looking to add to their portfolio in 2023, the North East and the Midlands could be areas to focus on for the highest rental yields.

Is property still a good investment 2023 UK? ›

Is 2023 a good year to invest in property? With the average UK house prices in a state of flux since last year many have been asking this question. Without making you wait for the answer, in short, in our opinion, yes! Though there are caveats, and these will be based on what your investment goals and requirements are.

Where to start investing UK? ›

Best investment platforms for beginners UK June 2023
  • eToro – Best for copy trading and zero commissions. ...
  • InvestEngine – Best for low-cost, fully managed ETFs. ...
  • Freetrade – Best for free shares. ...
  • interactive investor – Best for DIY investors and quick start funds. ...
  • Wombat – Best for automated saving and investing.
May 24, 2023

How to invest money in real estate in UK? ›

Other indirect ways of investing in property include:
  1. Property unit trusts.
  2. Property open-ended investment companies (OEICs)
  3. Property investment trusts.
  4. Property bonds and loan notes.
  5. Shares in listed property companies.
  6. Property ISAs (these let you invest in property without paying tax on your returns)
  7. Peer-to-peer lending.

What is the 1% rule for investment property? ›

What Is The 1% Rule In Real Estate? The 1% rule of real estate investing measures the price of the investment property against the gross income it will generate. For a potential investment to pass the 1% rule, its monthly rent must be equal to or no less than 1% of the purchase price.

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