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Best Buy-to-Let Property Investment Areas in Berkshire 2020

In 2019, Buy-to-Let property investment in Berkshire remains a key destination for investors. One of the top performing economies in the country, Berkshire is home to a number of prime commuter destinations and the UK’s Silicon Valley – a name given to the region encompassing Bracknell and Reading. These two leafy towns are the UK’s tech powerhouses and host the country’s largest cluster of digital businesses outside of London.

Outside of the tech corridor, more affordable markets such as Slough, Maidenhead and Windsor are utilising huge inward investment and the current state of the London market to attract huge demand.

For buy-to-let investors, this blend of demand, investment and affordability is ideal. With the potential for strong rental yields and opportunities for capital growth across the region, we’re looking at where investors are identifying as the top buy-to-let hotspots in Berkshire. From tech hubs to Royal Boroughs, we’ve put together a list of the areas showing high demand and positive property performance, taking into account key investment signposts such as transport links, property prices and the current rental market.

These are the best areas for buy-to-let property investment in Berkshire in 2020.

Berkshire’s Best Buy-to-Let Hotspots in 2020

Bracknell – RG12

Bracknell

Average Property Price: £352,385
Price Growth since 2014: 28%

One of the largest emerging markets for young professionals, Bracknell is nestled at the heart of the UK’s Silicon Valley. A sought-after postcode by global technology and engineering firms, Bracknell is home to huge names including HP, Dell, Honda, Hitachi and Waitrose.

Demand is high for Bracknell because of the employment opportunities and connectivity it offers with the wider South East and London. Unemployment currently sits at 2.5% and 86% of the total population is in active employment, 50% of which are working Managerial or Directorial roles. Currently home to around 120,000, the population is estimated to rise by 21,000 over the next 20 years, a huge boost for a town on the rise.

Originally designed as a post-war new town, Bracknell has undergone a series of dramatic transformations to become a vital hub for the tech sector, attracting a wave of young, ambitious professionals that want exceptional employment opportunities and a more affordable market.

The most recent regeneration project has laid out a vision for the new town until 2032, with £770 million committed to enhancing key transport, infrastructure, healthcare and educational programs while delivering new, smart residential, commercial and retail spaces. At the heart of this project is The Lexicon, a vibrant retail and leisure destination that epitomises the blend of traditional charm and contemporary character that is defining Bracknell.

Reading – RG1

Reading

Average Property Price: £418,677
Price Growth since 2014: 32%

Another cornerstone of the UK’s tech corridor, Reading is forecast to be one of the best performing economic areas in the UK – boosted by a burgeoning creative sector and an environment that actively encourages business innovation. One of the most culturally diverse places in the world relative to its size, Reading has attracted incredible foreign investment because of its economic potential, cost-effectiveness, quality of life and infrastructure.

With a ‘Local Plan’ set to invigorate the city’s development pipeline leading up to 2036, Reading will build exciting new office and residential spaces while conserving the unique heritage property that makes up the town’s history.

Many businesses are drawn to reading because of its high-performing workforce, access to international travel links and high-quality of life on offer. Reading is home to around 145,000 people, the highest UK employment rate and a huge retention rate for graduates – nearly 20% of students that graduate from the University of Reading remain in the area.

Slough – SL1

Slough

Average Property Price: £419,567
Price Growth since 2014: 29%

Slough is a thriving commercial town, home to the largest concentration of global corporate headquarters in the UK outside of London. The town currently maintains 82,000 jobs in nearly 4,600 businesses, attracting huge demand from ambitious young professionals and families.

Offering excellent connectivity with the capital, Slough has quickly emerged as a prime commuter town boosted by affordable property and accessibility. In Slough alone, 46% of the rental properties are let to tenants that have moved from London, demonstrating the appeal the market has for those that want to escape expensive London prices.

Property prices have benefitted from the substantial investment that Slough experienced over the last ten years, as the Slough Urban Renewal (SUR) project helped cement the town as a savvy investment opportunity and continues to redefine the landscape, building iconic new landmarks and incredible amenities. With the completion of Crossrail in 2019, Slough will offer an unprecedented level of accessibility with both London and Heathrow, an attractive prospect for workers in either of these busy regions.

Windsor & Maidenhead – SL4 / SL6

Windsor/Maidenhead

Average Property Price: £524,793
Price Growth since 2014: 24%

A Royal Borough with a mix of rich history and contemporary business development, Windsor and Maidenhead are attractive urban centres surrounded by rural landscape. Linked by the River Thames, these key investment areas play host to one of the most exciting enterprise areas in the South East.

Just 30 minutes from Heathrow Airport, the connectivity afforded by Windsor & Maidenhead, alongside their investment into developing business space, has attracted top UK and international companies such as Konami, Johnson and Johnson, Three, Nintendo, Adobe, GSK and Mattel.

The borough is also experiencing substantial investment – nearly one billion pounds is expected in Maidenhead over the next 10 years, developing new residential and office space while improving infrastructure and transport interchange. Leisure and cultural locations will also be enhanced for residents.

The Royal Borough’s Local Plan will allocate sites for housing, employment, retail, leisure and development in the area until 2032, ensuring that the Borough is a great place to live, work and enjoy. For investors, this is a huge signpost for the area as an up-and-coming investment – highlighting the potential demand the region could see going forward. 

Wokingham – RG40

Wokingham

Average Property Price: £485,364
Price Growth since 2014: 29%

Wokingham has long been a key destination in the heart of Berkshire and with nearly £100 million earmarked for a regeneration project, it’s likely that ‘England’s healthiest place to live’ will soon find itself become a household name.

A popular commuter destination, Wokingham is located just 33 miles west of London – offering excellent transport links to Reading, London Waterloo and the M3/M4 motorway connections. With £100 million set to redevelop the town centre – including new retail, leisure and residential facilities – Wokingham will enhance an already thriving landscape and local experts are expecting property prices to follow this trend.

Property prices sourced from Zoopla

The Grand Exchange

Explore Developments

Ready to occupy

No.1 Thames Valley

Bracknell

1 Bedroom Apartments, Studio

Prices From

£199,950

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Ready to occupy

The Metalworks

Slough

1 Bedroom Apartments, 2 Bedroom Apartments

Prices From

£240,000

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Final Units Remaining

The Grand Exchange

Bracknell

1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, 1 Bedroom Apartments, 2 Bedroom Apartments

Prices From

£300,000

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Ready to occupy

105 Broad Street

Birmingham City Centre

2 Bedroom Apartments

Prices From

£252,950

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