A lot of factors go into choosing a buy-to-let location. Rental yields and capital appreciation often top the list, but they can be impacted by many aspects — including how safe the area is. Tenants are unlikely to choose an area where they don’t feel safe, whether that’s on the streets or in their own home.
But where are the safest places to invest in England and Wales? To find out, digital mortgage lender Mololooked at crime stats in cities across England and Wales. These include the rates of robberies, violent crimes and residential burglaries per 100,000 people, which are key indicators of safety and contribute to their appeal as buy-to-let locations.
You can find the full research here: https://molofinance.com/hub/buy-to-let/safest-locations-in-england-and-wales-to-invest/
Nottingham is one of the safest cities for landlords to invest, with relatively low crime rates and above-average rental yields
With a relatively low robbery rate of 76 for every 100,000 people, as well as one of the lowest rates of stalking and harassment (517 per 100,000), Nottingham ranks as the safest city for investing in property. It also stands out for its attractive rental metrics, with a gross rental yield of 5.20% — which is above the national average of 4.98%. Initiatives in urban regeneration and community policing, such as the Safer Streets Program, contribute to its appeal as a safe investment location.
Three of the top 10 safest locations are found in Wales
Newport, Wales comes in second, with low crime rates that include only 60 robberies and 381 residential burglaries per 100,000 people. Newport has invested in safety measures, including improved street lighting and community support officers.
In third is another Welsh city, Swansea, which claims the lowest robbery rate of 23 per 100,000 people. Welsh capital Cardiff also makes the top five, with a similarly low robbery rate (58 per 100,000).
| Index | City | Robberies per 100,000 | Stalking and harassment per 100,000 | Theft per 100,000 | Violence with injury per 100,000 | Residential burglary per 100,000 |
| 1 | Nottingham | 76 | 517 | 87 | 597 | 976 |
| 2 | Newport | 60 | 877 | 35 | 662 | 381 |
| 3 | Swansea | 23 | 909 | 59 | 768 | 340 |
| 4 | Southend-on-Sea | 109 | 929 | 70 | 700 | 433 |
| 5 | Cardiff | 58 | 850 | 101 | 861 | 786 |
| 6 | Luton | 102 | 704 | 98 | 791 | 440 |
| 7 | Norwich | 94 | 861 | 84 | 993 | 242 |
| 8 | Liverpool | 80 | 969 | 200 | 791 | 1608 |
| 9 | Sunderland | 57 | 1153 | 43 | 1128 | 740 |
| 10 | Bristol | 164 | 860 | 83 | 830 | 1243 |
Speaking about what else landlords should consider when choosing a property, VP of Strategy at Molo, Mark Michaelides, says: “There’s more to consider than safety, rents and house prices for landlords selecting their next purchase. Evaluating a neighbourhood’s growth potential, demographic trends, and considering factors like infrastructure upgrades and property conditions are crucial for predicting future demand and maximising returns. Additionally, selecting energy-efficient properties not only benefits tenants but can also lead to green tax rebates, showcasing the importance of a comprehensive approach to investment strategy.”
