Bradford Buy-to-Let Guide

According to Rightmove, sold properties in Bradford have had an average price of £186,270 over the last year. This is 5% up on the previous year and 10% up compared to 2020. Bradford property has grown in value over the last few years, but it is still a more affordable city compared to the UK average, which sits at £287,546 (per the UK House Price Index).

But is this growth projected to continue? Property experts Savills forecast that the property market in Yorkshire and the Humber is set to grow 20.2% over the next few years, leading up to 2028.

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Bradford’s City Centre is a convenient place to live. It’s popular with students due to its proximity to campus and those commuting, thanks to easy access to transport and amenities. Inner suburbs to the north, such as Manningham and Girlington, are relatively affordable and in demand by families and professionals due to their good access to amenities. Some students also choose to live in these convenient suburban areas rather than the city centre.

Going further north to the outer suburbs, you can find some of Bradford’s most upmarket districts, with bigger property price tags to match. 

Suburbs in the East, such as Thornbury, are good for luring renting commuters, as they give better access to Leeds whilst still being convenient for Bradford City Centre.

Average Property Prices in Manningham

The average property price in this area is £105,314

Average Rental Yield in Manningham

The average rental yield in this area is 6.69%

Average Property Prices in Thornbury

The average property price in this area is £107,856

Average Rental Yield in Thornbury

The average property price in this area is 8.54%

Average Property Prices in Holme Top

The average property price in this area is £104,142

Average Rental Yield in Holme Top

The average property price in this area is 6.68%

(Average property prices taken from Rightmove, rental yield estimates calculated with figures from housesforsaletorent.co.uk)

What is the Best Area of Bradford to Invest in?

Bradford’s reputation as a high-yield property hotspot could provide a compelling opportunity for those looking to make a return on investment.

Generally,  investing in real estate closer to the city centre and inner suburbs is cheaper than the outer suburbs, which are typically much pricier. Gross rental yields in the city centre, covering the BA1 postcode, are, on average, some of the best in the UK.

The outer northern suburbs are upmarket and in demand, but due to the heftier property prices, the yields are disappointing compared to the inner-city areas.

The UK is currently experiencing an undersupply of available rental properties, and demand for new build properties to help fill this gap is growing. When it comes to Bradford, the local council is working on delivering new build homes to the community, as part of regeneration and housing schemes.

As an up-and-coming investment location, Bradford is also a popular option for new build projects from private developers. This includes houses and apartment buildings, and student accommodation, meaning there are diverse opportunities for investing in Bradford new builds.

If you’re interested in investing in property in Yorkshire, it may be worth looking at other cities and towns to see what is on offer. This could include searching for York new builds, or big cities like Leeds may have more new build projects currently in the pipeline.

So, is Bradford one of the best buy-to-let areas in the UK?

Bradford has proven it can hold its own as a property investment destination with some of the most affordable properties in the UK and impressive rental yields.

If regeneration efforts prove successful, Bradford property may appreciate in value significantly, making it a tempting prospect for buy-to-let investors willing to play the long game.

But when it comes to capital growth forecasts, Yorkshire is comparable with the other northern regions, so more established cities, such as Manchester, could be more attractive to investors hoping to make big returns without wanting to take a risk on a more up-and-coming location.

When it comes to student property investment, those who invest in Bradford are likely to see consistent demand. However, buy-to-let properties in Manchester and Liverpool boast larger student populations and higher rental yields for student housing landlords.

Delve deeper into the buy-to-market with RWinvest’s guide to buy-to-let property in Watford!