Liverpool has once again been highlighted as an ideal destination for buy-to-let landlords seeking solid rental returns, this time by an experienced property investment specialist.
The city continues to see high demand from tenants for private rented accommodation, thanks in part to ‘Knowledge Quarter’, which has seen a huge influx of students and young business professionals choosing to relocate to the city due to the new and innovative opportunities available.
Mark Burns, managing director of property investment firm Hopwood House, said: “Not only does the city’s beautiful waterfront setting and impressive skyline attract major international interest, the city was also awarded the title of one of the best places in the UK to invest, making it the perfect opportunity for buy-to-let property investment.”
Burns points out that with unparalleled earnings to house price ratio, properties in this high-spirited and fast-paced city cost on average 4.8 times more than the typical annual salary.
“Nominated as the annual European Capital of Culture in 2008, Liverpool possesses all the attractive qualities of larger UK cities at a fraction of the price,” he added.
Property prices in Liverpool are relatively affordable compared with other major UK cities, and with an average house price growth of 5.9% last year, Burns sees Liverpool as “the ideal location for buy-to-let property investors looking for lucrative long-term rental returns”.
He continued: “Liverpool offers some of the most profitable rental yield returns in the country, with three Liverpool postcodes ranking in the top 10.
“The L7 area of Liverpool, located just outside the busy and energetic city centre, offers unrivalled yields of up to 11.79%. Areas elsewhere in Liverpool can offer rental yields anywhere between 11.52% and 9.36%.”
Plans for the Northern Powerhouse scheme, designed to rival London and the South East as the main driver of economic growth in the country, by pooling the strengths of the cities and towns of the north as one cohesive unit, are also expected to support the housing market in Liverpool as well as boost the wider economy in the city.
Burns went on: “Liverpool is set to benefit from 10,000 new properties and two million square-feet of office space due to the redevelopment proposals set out by the city council.
“The new office space available is expected to attract a substantial number of young business professionals to the area while the new properties available are a perfect opportunity for investors looking to enjoy long term rental returns.
“Liverpool is most certainly one of the most beneficial and profitable places for property investment at the moment, especially in the buy-to-let sector. Cheap house prices and attractive yields allow investors to enjoy long term lucrative returns whilst the growing population of young professionals and the number of properties available on the market make it a straightforward investment with fewer risks than investing in other larger UK cities.
“The Northern Powerhouse initiative and the city’s extensive transport networks make it both refined and accessible for both tourists and locals.
“Liverpool is set to continue growing and thriving in years to come, making it an ideal investment opportunity for investors looking to expand their property portfolio.”