While Hyde Park, Headingley, Burley, Woodhouse or the city centre remain sought-for lets to students, first-time buyers are more likely to head to Holbeck and Beeston, an easy commute to the city centre.
The average property in Holbeck is £109,494, according to Rightmove, while for families, Roundhay remains popular (average price £358,324).
Southampton
Tourism is the big driver in Southampton. According to CBRE, domestic travel is forecast to increase 36pc by 2030 with Brighton, Southampton, and Glasgow forecast to be the biggest destinations for domestic visitors.
The top UK port for cruise passengers, Southampton has a “high” score of 82/100 as a short-term rentals location (demand and revenue potential) for would-be investors, according to the market analyst, AirDNA.
The suburb of Woolston is one to watch, says Barney Brander of Lets Rent estate agents. “Values are lower than across the river [Itchen] and with development around Centenary Quay [a former shipyard] it’s popular with investors,” he says.
The average house price in Woolston is £245,347 (Rightmove), and two-bedroom starter homes cost £230,000 to £250,000, and rent for £1,100 to £1,200 per month, according to Brander. “Average yields in the city are 5.57 to 6pc.”
Brighton
Tourism is also a big driver for Brighton. Along with Belfast and Bristol, it is expected to experience the biggest growth in consumer spending, retail and leisure, says CBRE – something the new branch of Ikea opening on Churchill Square will hope to tap into.
With the average property price at £515,871, according to Rightmove, buy-to-let yields are not tempting, and buyers looking for more growth are looking at nearby Worthing and Eastbourne instead.
