This bustling town located in East London is a prime location for rental properties, thanks to its excellent transport links and diverse housing stock.

Housing stock

The overall volume of properties in Stratford is on par with the average in London, with a good mix of flats and houses. Specifically, there are a substantial number of 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom flats, as well as a healthy number of 3 bedroom houses. This diversity in housing type and number of bedrooms can cater to a range of tenants and in turn increase the potential for long-term rental income.

The average price for a 1 bedroom house in Stratford is around £365,000, for a 2 bedroom house it is around £450,000, and for a 3 bedroom house it is around £550,000, which are lower than the average house prices in London, which are around £500,000, £700,000, and £800,000, respectively, which indicates that there is a high demand for affordable housing options in the area.

There is also a mix of old and new properties available, with a significant number of new build properties, which can be attractive to tenants looking for modern and well-maintained accommodation. There are also several major housing development projects taking place in Stratford, such as the Stratford Waterfront and East Bank developments. To find out more about these and other major housing developments in the area, you can visit the website of the London Legacy Development Corporation https://www.queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk/our-story.

Transport 

When it comes to transportation links, Stratford offers excellent access to the rest of London. The area is home to several major train stations, including Stratford, Stratford International, and Stratford High Street, which offer service on several lines, including the Central, Jubilee, and DLR lines. The volume of train stops and the names of the big stations will give you an idea of the accessibility of the area and the potential tenant pool.

Commute times in Stratford are also relatively short, with an average commute time of 20 minutes to Central London. This is slightly shorter compared to the average in London, which is around 35 minutes. The shorter the commute time, the more attractive the area will be to potential tenants.

Conclusion 

Stratford is a bustling town that offers a prime location for rental properties. The town boasts a diverse housing stock that includes a good mix of flats and houses, catering to a range of tenants and increasing the potential for long-term rental income. House prices in Stratford are competitive compared to the London average, and there are a significant number of new build properties available, as well as several major housing development projects taking place in the area. There are also excellent transportation links with several major train stations and short commute times to Central London. All these factors make Stratford an attractive location for investors looking to get a good return on their investment.

Harrow on the Hill is a picturesque and historic town, and with its charming village feel and stunning views, it is a popular location for families, students and professionals alike. In this blog post, we will explore the key factors to consider when investing in a buy-to-let property in Harrow on the Hill.

Population size and growth

The population of Harrow on the Hill is currently around 11,000 and is steadily growing. Over the last decade, the population has increased by around 6%, which is slightly higher than the average growth rate for London boroughs. This suggests that Harrow on the Hill is a desirable location to live and is likely to continue to attract more residents in the future.

Age of the population

The age of the population in Harrow on the Hill is slightly lower than the UK average, with a median age of 39 compared to 45 for the UK. This suggests that the town is popular with families and older residents. This is supported by the fact that over a third of the population is aged 45 and over, which is higher than the UK average. However, there is also a significant student population in the town, with several schools and colleges located in the area.

Employment rate

The employment rate in Harrow on the Hill is higher than the UK average, with around 80% of the population in employment. This suggests that the town has a strong local economy and offers good employment opportunities for residents. 

Education level

The education level of the population in Harrow on the Hill is high, with over two thirds of residents holding a degree or other higher education qualification. This is significantly higher than the UK average, which is around 40%. The town is also home to several schools and colleges, including Harrow School, one of the most prestigious schools in the country. In addition, there are several universities located within easy reach of Harrow on the Hill, including the University of Westminster and the University of Middlesex.

Volume of renters versus homeowners

The volume of renters versus homeowners in Harrow on the Hill is roughly in line with the UK average, with around two thirds of residents owning their own home and one third renting. This suggests that there is a good balance of rental properties available in the town, which could make it an attractive location for buy-to-let investors.

Crime rate

The crime rate in Harrow on the Hill is relatively low, with lower rates of burglary, theft and violent crime than the UK average. This suggests that the town is a safe place to live, which is likely to be a key consideration for many prospective residents.

In conclusion, Harrow on the Hill is a desirable location for a buy-to-let investment due to its growing population, strong local economy, high education levels, and low crime rate. Additionally, the balance of homeowners and renters in the town suggests that there is a good market for rental properties. Whether you are a seasoned property investor or a first-time buyer, Harrow on the Hill is a town worth considering for your next investment.

• London Borough of Newham contact: 020 8430 2000, info@newham.gov.uk, https://www.newham.gov.uk/

• HMO licence contact: 01789 267575, stratford.housing@stratford.gov.uk, https://www.stratford.gov.uk/housing/hmo-licence/

• Council Tax: https://www.newham.gov.uk/Pages/Services/Council-tax.aspx

• Civic Amenities: https://www.newham.gov.uk/Pages/Services/Civic-amenities.aspx

• List of Stratford schools: https://www.stratford.gov.uk/education/schools/

• Trading Standards contact: 020 8221 0800, trading.standards@newham.gov.uk, https://www.newham.gov.uk/Pages/Services/Trading-Standards.aspx

• EPC register contact: 020 8221 0800, epc@newham.gov.uk, https://www.newham.gov.uk/Pages/Services/Energy-Performance-Certificate.aspx

• Waste Collection contact: 020 8430 2000, info@newham.gov.uk, https://www.newham.gov.uk/Pages/Services/Waste-and-recycling.aspx

• GSC register contact: 020 8221 0800, gsc@newham.gov.uk, https://www.newham.gov.uk/Pages/Services/Gas-Safety-Certificate.aspx

• List of Postcodes in Stratford: E15 1, E15 2, E15 3, E15 4, E15 5, E15 9, E20 1, E20 2, E20 3, E20 4, E7 0, E7 8