Which areas have seen the strongest buy-to-let returns over the last five years?

Posted on Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Buy-to-let investors have seen an average rental market yield of 4.17% over the last five years. 

The latest research by London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves, has revealed that whilst the London property market has boasted one of the strongest performances when it comes to the average yield secured for Buy-to-Let investors over the last five years, one region has outperformed the capital.

An analysis was made of the average rental yield found across each area of the rental market in England, looking at rental market performance over the last five years to reveal where has seen the consistently strongest performance based on the five-year average.

According to the findings, across England as a whole, the average buy-to-let investor has enjoyed an average rental market yield of 4.17% over the last five years.

London remains one of the strongest areas of the market when it comes to investing in rental bricks and mortar, with Buy-to-Let investors enjoying an average rental yield of 4.42% over the last five years.

However, one region has outperformed the capital and that’s the North East. Over the last five years, the average rental yield across the region has averaged 4.84%, the strongest returns seen across England.

London is sandwiched between both northern regions, with the North West seeing the third strongest performance across the nation, with an average rental yield of 4.38% over the last five years.

At the opposite end of the table, it’s the East Midlands that ranks as the weakest region of the rental market when it comes to the returns seen for Buy-to-Let investors. Over the last five years, the average rental yield across the region has sat at just 3.83%.

“Landlords have been hit hard in recent years with respect to the profitability of their portfolios and we have yet more red tape on the way this year via the government’s misguided Renters’ Rights Bill," noted director of Benham and Reeves, Marc von Grundherr, "Despite this, many have continued to enjoy the returns that are still available through well-informed and strategic investment into rental bricks and mortar and it’s fair to say that London remains the most lucrative area of the market, with the exception of the North East.

He added, "We’ve seen a particularly strong performance across the North, with a lower cost of investment contributing to favourable yields. However, where London is concerned, the returns on offer are very much driven by a buoyant rental market, fuelled by an overwhelming level of tenant demand.

"The likelihood is that very little will change in 2025 and despite the government meddling under the guise of improved tenant welfare, we expect Buy-to-Let to remain one of the most consistent investments available to the amateur and professional investor alike.”

Via @PropertyReporter