An Investor’s Guide to Bradford

High Yields

According to a report by PropertyData, buy-to-let properties in Bradford benefit from some of the UK’s highest yields. The average rental yield in the UK is currently 3.74%, which would be considered average. However, in Bradford, investors can expect to achieve net yields of around 7%, far higher than the UK average.

This is because rental demand has increased, meaning rents are heightened when compared to a property’s market value. The average property in Bradford has a rental price of £779 pcm, which is below the national average. This is great news for investors as rental demand will remain high due to fair pricing but will still generate high rental yields.

Fast Growing Population

Bradford is currently one of the fastest areas outside of London for population growth. According to the 2021 census, Bradford has a population of 546,400. This represents an impressive 4.6% growth from the previous census in 2011 and a 13.8% increase since 2002.

Areas with large rises in the population are usually followed by an influx of amenities and housing. This is because of the supply and demand imbalance caused by an increase in residents.

Young Population

Often cited as the youngest city in Europe, 29% of Bradford’s population is made up of residents under 20. This is far ahead of the UK average of 21%, in part due to the success of the University of Bradford.

Investors can benefit from the demand for tenancies from university students, graduates, and young professionals in the area. In areas where there is a young population, accommodation comes at a premium in top locations.

Transport Links

Bradford is an incredibly well-connected city with Leeds, Harrogate, York, and Manchester all within an hour of the city centre. Since the pandemic, there has been a rise in hybrid working, with workers commuting to the office a few days per week. Bradford can support these professionals, who are looking for more affordable accommodations.

Additionally, residents can make the most of what Yorkshire has to offer. Bradford offers residents a good mixture of countryside escapes and large city amenities, creating a nice balance between the two. Furthermore, Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and Liverpool are all short train journeys away, which allows residents to travel freely between some of the top northern locations.