What Are The Best UK Rental Yields?
At Miller Rose, we believe property decisions should be made properly, not quickly. That’s why we provide clear insight into rental yields – no jargon, no empty promises, just expert advice on what they mean for a measured, long-term investment strategy.
A good investment starts with clarity on return. Rental yield shows the income a property generates as a percentage of its value. It’s a critical tool for comparing opportunities and assessing how efficiently your capital is working.
High yields are often underpinned by strong tenant demand or competitive pricing, but lasting performance depends on more than numbers alone. We look at both the yield and the fundamentals behind it: location, quality, and long-term sustainability.
So, what are the best UK rental yields, and how can this inform your investment strategy?
The UK Rental Yield Headline
As of September 2026, the average UK property is valued at £273,000, with an average monthly rent of £1,400 – putting the average UK rental yield at 6.15%.
That figure is the benchmark. Anything above it means a property or a market is outperforming the wider UK market on income return alone – and it’s the yardstick we use when we assess whether a location is worth serious attention.
| City | Detached | Semi-detached | Terraced | Flats & Maisonettes |
| Birmingham | 3.88% | 5.02% | 5.92% | 7.61% |
| Manchester | 4.70% | 5.44% | 6.61% | 7.06% |
| Nottingham | 4.94% | 5.97% | 7.05% | 8.10% |
Figures show average gross rental yield by property type, calculated from ONS average sale and rental values, September 2026.
What Is A Rental Yield?
Rental yield is the potential income return on a property investment, expressed as a percentage. For landlords and investors, it’s a critical figure for assessing profitability and stability.
More than just a headline percentage, a strong yield signals a healthy balance: steady rental returns, manageable running costs, and minimal void periods. It reflects the property’s resilience as much as its return.
How Do I Calculate Rental Yields?
Rental yield is a straightforward measure of investment return. Understanding the difference between gross (income before costs) and net (income after costs) is essential for confident financial planning.
There are two main types of rental yield: gross rental yield and net rental yield.
What Is Net Rental Yield?
Net rental yield takes into account all expenses related to the property, such as maintenance costs, insurance, property management fees, and taxes. Here’s how you can calculate it…
- Find your estimated rental income for the month
- Multiply by 12 to find out your yearly income
- Subtract your anticipated yearly running costs
- Divide the result by the price you will be paying for your property
- Multiply this figure by 100 to create a percentage – this is your gross rental yield
What Is Gross Rental Yield?
Gross rental yield is calculated using the total annual rental income generated by the property before any expenses are deducted. You can calculate this by following these steps…
- Find your estimated rental income for the month
- Multiply by 12 to find out your yearly income
- Divide the result by the price you will be paying for your property
- Multiply this figure by 100 to create a percentage – this is your gross rental yield
Why Is Rental Yield So Important?
Rental yield is an effective way to understand how well a property is performing, helping you judge profitability and stability. Every market fluctuates, and every property type behaves differently. City centre apartments often generate income with fewer void periods, while suburban homes can deliver a slower, yet steadier capital growth over time.
We understand what makes an investment property valuable, rather than chasing the highest percentage. We focus on measured returns where the yield reflects a property’s quality, demand, and long-term sustainability, not just quick wins.
Discover Your Rental Yield
Looking to purchase a property and want to calculate its yield before committing? Explore the Miller Rose Rental Yield Calculator to better understand your rental yield today.
Cities With The Best UK Rental Yields
Successful investment starts with clarity. At Miller Rose, we focus on cities with the best combination of strong rental yields and long-term growth potential. Every property, every region, and every tenant market performs differently, but our research points to three compelling markets:
Birmingham
Birmingham continues to be one of the UK’s most competitive rental markets. With ONS showing that average yields sit at 5.64% as of September 2026, the city offers a balance between affordability and performance. High tenant demand is fuelled by a young population, major regeneration projects and global businesses choosing Birmingham as their base.
Average monthly rents in Birmingham sit at £830 for one-beds, £1,003 for two-beds, £1,134 for three-beds, and £1,578 for four-beds, representing an annual rent increase of 3% over the past year – and it’s no wonder as the UK’s second city is home to over 80,000 students and a fast-growing professional workforce.
Manchester
Manchester has become one of the UK’s most diverse and dynamic rental markets. With average yields in the city of 6.54% as of September 2026, and consistent tenant demand driven by regeneration, good employment rates and a diverse urban economy.
The average monthly rent in Manchester is currently £1,003 for one-beds, £1,233 for two-beds, £1,433 for three-beds, and £2,014 for four-beds, with rents increasing by 4% over the past year, which signals that the city is experiencing high tenant demand, for good reason. From Spinningfields to MediaCity, major investment and infrastructure continue to attract professionals from across the UK, ensuring steady occupancy and long-term rental stability.
Nottingham
The Nottingham rental market is immensely strong, with the city generating average yields of 6.40% as of September 2026. With a strong academic presence, competitive property prices and ongoing regeneration projects, Nottingham is an attractive option for investors looking for both strong yield and growth.
Average monthly rents sit at £735 for one-beds, £914 for two-beds, and £1,052 for three-beds, with rents rising by 2% year-on-year – this bodes well for property investors looking to purchase small houses and one-bedroom apartments in the city, especially since the average flat or maisonette costs just £124,000.
Explore High Yielding Investment Properties
Emerald Court, Birmingham
£225,000
A carefully curated collection of one and two-bedroom apartments in Digbeth, completing in Q4 2026. Limited to just 35 boutique apartments.
RG1, Reading
£300,000
Developed by Mandale Homes, this premium scheme combines modern design, exceptional connectivity, and strong rental demand – delivering secure long-term returns for investors.
Progress Court, Warwick
£450,000
A rare collection of eight townhouses built across three beautiful floors and set just moments away from the life, soul and history of Warwick itself.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Successful investment starts with clarity. At Miller Rose, we focus on cities with strong rental yields and long-term growth potential, meaning investors can build portfolios that perform consistently and sustainably.
Whether you’re building your first portfolio or expanding an existing one, understanding these markets helps you move forward with confidence and make decisions grounded in evidence, not speculation.