Second cities have been found to outperform traditional hubs in terms of rental returns, with Ipswich experiencing a yield increase of 1.1 percentage points since 2023.

Yields are above 7% in the North West, North East, and East Midlands, with London at 6.1%.

13 of the top 20 yielding towns host Russell Group universities.

Belfast’s rental yield is forecast at 6.1%, ahead of many major UK cities.

UK average rental yields increased from 6.70% to 7.11% in the 12 months to Q2 2025.

Wales recorded the highest yield at 9%, with a 1.3% quarterly increase.

Bradford currently tops the table, with six-bed HMOs in the city yielding 15.2% on average.

Average rental yields for buy-to-let properties have reached 7.11% in April 2025, the highest since February 2011, according to Paragon Bank.

Average rental yields in Manchester currently stand at 6.35%, according to new analysis of government data.

Higher numbers of first-time landlords in northern regions are likely due to a combination of lower property prices and higher rents, according to new analysis.