A Dive into September’s UK Property Market
As we step into autumn, the September data shows a cooling sales property market but continued strength in the rental sector. For buy-to-let landlords, the story remains positive — especially for new-build apartments in regional towns and cities where affordability and tenant demand combine to deliver strong yields.
UK House Prices & Rental Trends
The UK average house price rose 2.8% year-on-year to £270,000 (ONS), but the pace of growth is slowing.
Halifax reported prices at a record £299,331, though with more modest annual growth of 2.2%.
On the rental side, private rents increased by 5.7% year-on-year (ONS), averaging £1,348 per month.
Zoopla noted that rental growth slowed to 2.4% in September — the lowest in four years — but this marks a shift to stability rather than weakness, giving landlords more predictable income streams.
Portico view: Slower house price growth opens opportunities for investors to secure units at attractive entry levels, while steady rental growth keeps yields strong — a powerful combination for buy-to-let landlords.
New-Build Rentals Holding Up Strongly
New-build apartments are proving to be the most resilient part of the rental sector:
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Tenants are prioritising energy efficiency, modern layouts, and low running costs.
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With housing starts and completions falling this year, supply of new-build rentals remains tight, underpinning demand.
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This means void periods are short, and apartments are letting quickly across the regions.
Portico view: For landlords, investing in new-build apartments offers both yield security and long-term capital growth prospects.
The Outlook for Landlords
Looking ahead, the key themes for investors are clear:
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High yields in regional towns thanks to lower entry prices and strong tenant demand.
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Sustained growth drivers — regeneration in Liverpool, excellent connectivity in Leicester, and lifestyle demand in Cleveleys.
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New-build resilience — modern, energy-efficient apartments remain the top choice for renters.
Summary
September’s data shows that while sales markets may cool, the rental market remains solid. For landlords, the best opportunities are found in regional new-build apartments — combining affordability, demand, and long-term growth.