Liverpool is a city with heart, history, and enormous potential. From its rich maritime past to its legendary music scene, there’s a lot to love about this growing city. But it’s not just the culture flourishing — Liverpool’s economy is booming, making it an increasingly attractive spot for property investors. Major development projects, like the £5.5 billion Liverpool Waters waterfront space, are transforming the area and driving further growth.
With a rapidly growing population and rental yields reaching up to 10% — the highest in the UK — Liverpool is drawing the attention of private investors looking for both quick returns and long-term growth. The city’s vibrant mix of students, young professionals, and families fuels solid demand for rental, especially in the lively city centre.
However, smart stakeholders are starting to look beyond prominent central locations. Lesser-known neighbourhoods around Liverpool are full of promise, offering even higher yields and promising significant growth. If you’re considering your next buy-to-let investment in Liverpool, these hidden gems could be your perfect opportunity. Let’s explore the best places to invest in around this dynamic city.
Hidden Gems: Top Buy-to-Let Areas in Liverpool & Beyond
Preston
The Campus Cornerstone
- Commuting Distance by Car: Around 1-2 hours
- Commuting Distance by Train: Around 50 minutes
- Average Property Price: £224,000
- Average Monthly Rent: £650
- Annual Rent Growth: 3.3%
- Average Rental Yield: 7%
Why Invest in Preston?
Preston is an up-and-coming city just outside the hustle and bustle of Merseyside — and it’s becoming a real hotspot for property investors. Located in the heart of Lancashire, Preston offers many city perks without the high property prices in bigger cities like Liverpool or Manchester. It has that perfect blend of urban energy and a laid-back, community-focused atmosphere, making it an excellent place for residents and smart backers.
The city’s appeal is growing fast. Young professionals are drawn in by its affordability and growing job market, and families love its safe neighbourhoods and community feel. The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) student population adds an extra buzz to the area. This diversity means there’s solid demand for rental properties across different demographics.
Plus, Preston’s location is a winner for connectivity. With major motorways like the M6 nearby and solid public transport links, it’s easy to commute or enjoy a weekend trip to Liverpool, Manchester, or even the beautiful Lake District. Preston is worth a closer look for people looking to expand beyond the typical spots.
Rental Market Potential
Preston’s rental market is worth considering if you’re looking for good returns. Whether you’re eyeing a snug one-bedroom flat or a larger family home, Preston’s mix of affordability and growing demand makes it a promising spot for investors.
The city has a steady stream of prospective tenants. Students from UCLan add to the mix, and young professionals and families are also increasingly drawn to Preston for its reasonable living costs and vibrant community. This blend helps keep demand for rental properties strong.
Looking ahead, Preston’s rental market is promising. The city is gearing up for significant changes, with over £1 billion set aside for many regeneration projects and improvements. This includes revamping the city centre and creating new housing and business areas. These upgrades are expected to draw more residents and create thousands of new jobs, meaning rental values will likely rise. With all this growth on the horizon, investing in property in Preston seems like a smart move.
Investment Considerations
In Preston, you’ll find many properties perfect for buy-to-let investments. From sleek modern apartments to charming older homes and spacious family houses, there’s something for everyone’s taste and budget.
One of Preston’s standout benefits is its more affordable property prices compared to bigger cities like Liverpool and Manchester. This means getting more value for your money while tapping into the city’s growing popularity and strong rental market.
Wirral and Birkenhead
The Northern Nest Egg
- Commuting Distance by Car: Around 10-20 minutes
- Commuting Distance by Merseyrail Train: Around 8 minutes
- Average Property Price: £185,000
- Average Monthly Rent: £770
- Annual Rent Growth: 6%
- Average Rental Yield: 8%
Why Invest in Wirral and Birkenhead?
Located just across the Mersey from Liverpool, Wirral and Birkenhead offer an outstanding balance of suburban charm, affordability, and accessibility to the big city without the hefty price tags.
Birkenhead, once an industrial hub, is seeing major regeneration projects transform its landscape. New developments, upgraded transport links, and revitalised town centres make this area more attractive for residents and investors. Meanwhile, the rest of Wirral boasts peaceful green spaces and stunning coastlines while still being close enough to Liverpool and Chester for work or play.
What’s appealing here is the variety. From Victorian terraces to newer builds, there’s a range of properties to choose from at prices significantly lower than you’d find in Liverpool or Manchester. Plus, the area’s mix of professionals, families, and retirees means there’s always demand for rental properties.
Rental Market Potential
Wirral and Birkenhead are fast becoming attractive options for renters, especially as living costs in Liverpool continue to rise. With its easy access to the city via Merseyrail and major roads like the M53, the area is particularly appealing to commuters who want more space and lower rent. Young professionals and families alike are discovering the charm of living in Wirral’s leafy suburbs, while still enjoying the perks of Liverpool’s vibrant job market and nightlife just across the water.
The ongoing regeneration in Birkenhead is adding even more fuel to the rental market. Major projects, like the ambitious Wirral Waters waterfront development, are expected to bring new jobs, homes, and amenities, making the area even more attractive to renters. This is excellent news for stakeholders, as it suggests strong potential for growth in rental yields.
With affordable property prices and demand steadily rising, Wirral and Birkenhead are quickly becoming solid options for those looking for good returns on their investment.
Investment Considerations
For investors, Wirral and Birkenhead offer some great opportunities without breaking the bank. Property here is much cheaper than in nearby Liverpool, but you still benefit from its proximity and growth. There’s a good mix of buy-to-let options, from older homes to new builds, catering to different budgets and strategies.
One standout opportunity is Gibson Quay, a prime development in Birkenhead’s significant regeneration. This area is at the heart of the Wirral Waters project, which is expected to drive up property values and rental demand over time. Gibson Quay offers modern living spaces that perfectly align with the area’s transformation, making it a promising choice for investors looking to capitalise on future growth.
If you’re on the lookout for a place with solid potential and an affordable entry point, Wirral and Birkenhead should be on your radar.
Read our guide for more information on property investment in the Wirral.
Warrington
The Affordable Asset
- Commuting Distance by Car: Around 30-60 minutes
- Commuting Distance by Train: Around 25 minutes
- Average Property Price: £255,000
- Average Monthly Rent: £802
- Annual Rent Growth: 1%
- Average Rental Yield: 7.5%
Why Invest in Warrington?
Warrington is a thriving town that is quickly catching the attention of savvy property investors. It offers a fantastic mix of urban conveniences without the high property prices often found in larger city centres. Warrington also combines a vibrant atmosphere with a strong sense of community, making it ideal for residents and investors looking for the next ample opportunity.
Location is another massive plus for Warrington. Positioned near major motorways like the M6, M62, and M56, the town offers quick and easy access to Liverpool, Manchester, and beyond. This connectivity is a crucial selling point for stakeholders, ensuring a robust rental market and potential for capital growth.
Warrington’s appeal is growing rapidly. Its expanding job market draws in young professionals, while families appreciate the safe, welcoming neighbourhoods and excellent schools. Additionally, Warrington’s growing business sector, including the Gemini Business Park and strong retail offerings, provides a solid foundation for long-term economic growth. This diversity translates into a robust demand for rental properties, making it a promising spot for buy-to-let investors.
Rental Market Potential
Warrington’s rental market is booming, and it’s easy to see why. The town’s affordability, job growth, and excellent transport links make it a desirable location for renters. Whether you’re targeting young professionals, families, or corporate tenants, there’s a solid demand for various property types, from modern flats to spacious family homes.
The vital business presence in Warrington, with companies like Amazon and Omega Park driving employment, has helped keep demand for rental properties consistently high. Add to that the influx of commuters drawn by the town’s easy access to Liverpool and Manchester, and you’ve got a market that offers great promise for solid rental returns.
Looking ahead, Warrington’s rental market shows no signs of slowing down. With ongoing regeneration projects and infrastructure improvements, including new housing developments and retail expansions, the town’s appeal is only set to increase. For those looking to capitalise on rental demand, Warrington is an excellent place to consider.
Investment Considerations
Warrington presents a wide range of investment opportunities for buy-to-let investors. From modern apartments to more traditional family homes, there’s something to suit every budget and investment strategy.
A key advantage of investing in Warrington is its relatively affordable property prices compared to neighbouring Liverpool and Manchester. This allows stakeholders to maximise their returns while still tapping into a growing market. Warrington’s stable rental demand and the town’s proximity to major business hubs provide a strong foundation for consistent rental yields and long-term capital appreciation.
Moreover, Warrington is experiencing exciting changes with regeneration projects and infrastructure upgrades. These improvements are expected to enhance the town’s appeal further and boost property values in the coming years, making now an opportune time to consider Warrington for your next investment.
Boost Your Buy-to-Let Investment in Liverpool
Liverpool is a city brimming with history and excitement, and its property market is worth a look. With major projects like the Liverpool Waters development on the horizon, the city is growing rapidly and offering great opportunities for investors, thanks to strong rental yields and a vibrant population.
But don’t overlook the surrounding areas — Preston, Wirral and Birkenhead, and Warrington all have their own unique appeal. Preston combines affordable living with a lively atmosphere, while Wirral and Birkenhead are gaining traction with their mix of suburban charm and regeneration projects. Warrington, with its reasonable property prices and strong rental demand, offers a fantastic investment opportunity too.
If you’re seeking a buy-to-let property with impressive yields or significant appreciation potential, Alesco is equipped to help you make the right choice. Our expert team draws on their profound local market knowledge to spot top locations with robust rental returns and long-term growth prospects.
Contact us today to find out more about our exclusive buy-to-let investments in Liverpool and start developing your real estate portfolio.
Written by: David Jacobs
I specialise in working with high net worth investors across the globe that are looking to create and expand their existing property portfolio in the UK. I have close relationships with all my clients who trust the expertise and knowledge I have within the property industry. I also liaise with banks, receivers and some of the largest developers in the UK in order to source high yielding properties for my clients and to help ensure their long-term financial security.
