Top Cities in the UK for Buy to Lets

Posted February 28, 2023 by in Career

Investing in a buy-to-let property is a popular way of generating additional income and building long-term wealth. With the rental market in the UK continuing to grow, it’s important to invest in the right location to maximise your returns. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top cities in the UK for buy-to-let investments so you can make a smart investment decision.

London

As a buy-to-let investment location, London is particularly attractive due to its constant stream of renters and high demand for rental properties. The city is home to many of the UK’s top universities and has a large student population, making areas such as Tower Hamlets and Newham particularly popular for buy-to-let investors. Despite high property prices, investors can expect a strong rental yield, especially in central areas such as Kensington and Chelsea, where rental values are some of the highest in the country. However, investors should also be aware of the additional costs associated with buying and maintaining a property in London, such as higher stamp duty and property management fees.

Bath

Bath is a highly desirable location for buy-to-let investments, thanks to its strong rental market and affluent tenant base. The city’s rich history and attractive architecture make it an appealing place to live, with demand for rental properties remaining high. Bath’s proximity to Bristol, one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities, also makes it an attractive location for commuters. Rental yields from property investment in Bath are typically above the national average, with some areas of the city offering particularly high yields. While property prices in Bath can be high, investors can expect a good return on investment over the long term, thanks to the city’s strong rental demand and rising property values.

Manchester

Manchester has become increasingly popular as a buy-to-let investment location in recent years, thanks to its strong rental market and growing economy. The city is experiencing significant regeneration and development, with many new residential and commercial projects underway, including the £1 billion Manchester Life project, which aims to deliver thousands of new homes across the city centre. The city’s rental market is particularly strong, with a high demand for quality rental properties from students, young professionals, and families. Areas such as Ancoats, the Northern Quarter, and Salford Quays are particularly popular, offering good rental yields and strong capital growth potential.

Liverpool

Liverpool’s transport links are a significant factor in its appeal to investors, with direct trains to London and excellent motorway connections to the rest of the UK. Thanks to its growing economy, strong rental market, and affordability compared to other major UK cities, Liverpool is currently seeing a surge in its demand for housing. The city’s student population of around 70,000, spread across several universities, including the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, also contributes to the high demand for rental properties. Investors should be aware, however, that while Liverpool’s property market is growing rapidly, it is still in the early stages of development compared to other major UK cities, and therefore carries a higher level of risk. Nonetheless, with its strong rental market, growing economy, and significant investment in regeneration and development, Liverpool remains an excellent location for buy-to-let investments.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and is renowned for its rich history, culture, and stunning architecture. It is a city steeped in history, with a unique blend of medieval and modern influences. The city is home to several world-renowned cultural festivals, including the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe, which attract visitors from all over the world. Edinburgh is particularly attractive to investors due to its strong rental market and high demand for quality rental properties. Being home to both the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University, the city has a large student population, which drives demand for rental properties in areas such as Newington, Marchmont, and Polwarth. Edinburgh’s city centre is also popular with professionals who work in the finance and technology sectors. Areas such as Stockbridge, Morningside, and the West End are particularly popular, which should easily entice any would-be investors.


Investing in a buy-to-let property can be a great way to generate additional income and build long-term wealth. When choosing a prime location, it’s important to consider factors such as the local economy, rental demand, and affordability of the property. The cities mentioned in this article are some of the top locations in the UK for buy-to-let investments, but it’s important to do your own research and seek professional advice before making any investment decisions.

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