If you’ve been watching the property scene this year, you might (or might not) be surprised to hear that buy-to-let yields are hitting highs we haven’t seen since 2011. Despite all the talk about interest rates and tough market conditions, landlords across the UK are seeing average rental yields of around 8.43%. And the best part? The North West is leading the charge.

Yorkshire & the Humber are doing well too, with average yields close behind at around 8.4% and 8% respectively. But the North West steals the spotlight, offering landlords a strong 8.5% average yield. Meanwhile, London is trailing quite a bit, with yields hovering at just under 6%.

So why is the North West such a hotspot right now? It’s a mix of steady rental demand and more affordable property prices. Places like Manchester, Liverpool, and surrounding areas offer a sweet spot for professionals where rents are holding firm or even climbing a bit, while property prices remain much more reasonable than down south. This combination means landlords there can squeeze out better returns compared to the capital or the South East.

The data backs this up. Recent surveys of landlords show nearly half have seen their rental yields improve over the past year. More than 60% are actively hunting for more properties to add to their portfolios, and many are focusing on types of properties like HMOs or multi-unit blocks in university towns and commuter belts, where the demand for affordable rental homes is strong.

So yes, the market has its challenges. Higher mortgage rates and tighter rules can make things trickier. But the regions outside London, especially the North West, are proving that buy-to-let can still deliver solid returns if you know where to look.

For anyone thinking about jumping into property or expanding an existing portfolio, it’s definitely worth taking a closer look at these regional markets. With yields well above 8%, plenty of tenant demand, and properties that won’t break the bank, the North West and similar areas are offering some of the best opportunities in the UK right now.

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