Where do you get the highest rental yields in Exeter? 

Exeter is located in the historic country of Devon on the River Exe and offers excellent rental yields suitable for a range of investments. Despite its compact size, Exeter boasts a rich history and an attractive cultural scene.

This rich past of Exeter comes alive through the city’s captivating attractions. Located in the heart of the city is the spectacular Exeter Cathedral. Displaying one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture, it is one of the great cathedrals of England.

As well as the breathtaking heritage of the city, Exeter caters to every kind of resident. Explore the picturesque Quayside or unwind in one of the city’s green spaces. Families enjoy a friendly, community atmosphere and students will enjoy the vibrant energy that Exeter University has to offer.

Why Invest in Profitable Exeter Buy-to-Let Opportunities?

Exeter offers an attractive proposition for buy-to-let investors seeking a stable and rewarding market with high rental yields.

With nearly a third of the population consisting of students, there is a constant demand for rental properties around the centre of Exeter city. This guarantees high occupancy rates and a reliable income for your buy-to-let.

Exeter is one of the best-performing cities in the country for economic growth and therefore attracts businesses and young professionals.

With its rich cultural heritage, strategic location, commitment to innovation, sustainability initiatives, and burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem, Exeter stands as an ideal destination for an investment opportunity. 

Whether you are looking for student rentals, professional accommodation, or family homes, there is a range of investment opportunities with high rental yields available.

Regeneration Projects in Exeter 

Exeter has an ambitious council who are seeking to ensure the city continues to flourish. There are a range of strategies and plans in place to bring positive changes for all those living, working, studying, and visiting the city.

The Transformational Housing Programme

This project represents a clear vision and commitment to strengthen neighbourhoods, create new communities, invest in sustainable transport, and deliver the infrastructure needed to attract investment and improve quality of life.

Various developments set out to increase the number of affordable housing in and across the city. 

Red Cow Village

Based around the historic Red Cow Village, this development brings 664 new homes to the area and a new train station, improving transport connections into the city. There will also be new cycling and walking paths to improve access further.

Water Lane

Bringing 1567 homes to Exeter, this development is situated along the picturesque riverside. It aims to expand leisure attractions and improve cycle and walking connections to the city.

Marsh Barton

Delivering a huge 5544 homes, Marsh Barton aims to build a new neighbourhood for Exeter. Being an important retail area, there will be an integration of living and working to continue developing the economy of the area.

South Street Regeneration

This regeneration project aims to improve South Street and its surroundings for the benefit of local businesses, citizens, and visitors. It aims to identify potential enhancement and development opportunities that will benefit the community. 

South Street will become an exciting destination to live, work and socialise. It will form a key part of the West Quarter with a high-quality and attractive pedestrian-focused environment and improved links with the Quayside and Cathedral Yard.

Green Capital Vision

As part of Exeter’s Green Capital Vision, Exeter aims to establish itself as a ‘green capital’ that balances a cultural, retail, and employment offer and city centre environment to match that of much larger cities with a green and environmentally sustainable place to live at a comfortable scale.

This vision aims to reposition Exeter as the city centre of a green capital and highlight its potential of being a low-carbon area.

Air Quality Strategy

This strategy was put into place in recognition of the legal requirement to improve air quality. It aims to reduce concentrations of air pollutants and exposure to air pollution improving the health and quality of life for residents and visitors to the city.

Things to do in Exeter

Whether you love history, long walks, or socialising with friends, there are so many things to do in the picturesque city of Exeter. 

• Explore Exeter Cathedral: Go back in time and revel in the impressive Gothic architecture at one of the greatest cathedrals in England.
• Discover the Grade II Northernhay Gardens: The oldest public gardens in England, perfect for a picnic or summer stroll.
• Visit the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery: Exeter’s world-class museum and art gallery with extraordinary collections.
• Shop til’ you drop at Princesshay: Located right in the heart of Exeter, with the iconic, mediaeval Cathedral as its backdrop, Princesshay is the city’s premier shopping destination with over 60 shops to choose from.
• Enjoy Exeter University Gardens: Set within 300 acres of grounds, explore these award-winning landscaped gardens with fascinating sculpture pieces and inspired architecture throughout.

Transport and Accessibility

Exeter is a well-linked city with an array of transport connections via car, train, bus, or air. Here’s a look at the extensive transport options available:

• Easy Access Road Network: With easy access to the M5 motorway and key A roads, Exeter’s well-maintained road network is easily accessible to major destinations.
• Railway Links: Exeter’s central station offers convenient access to major cities such as London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
• Extensive Bus Network: An extensive bus network that connects Exeter’s diverse neighbourhoods, making it easy to get across the city with ease.
• Air Travel: Both Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon Airports are easily located by car, train, or coach.

Property Market Overview

Exeter presents an attractive property market for investors looking to invest in a successful buy-to-let opportunity. 

With a growing economy and population, there is a high demand for rental properties across Exeter. The average monthly private rent in Exeter increased by 8% to £1,194 in March 2024, suggesting it could be a good time to invest in a buy-to-let property with high rental yields.

Whether you are looking for a modest investment or you want to invest in some of the highly sought-after properties in Exeter, there are a range of options available.

Rental Yield

With a continuing rise in rental prices across Exeter, it is an exciting time to invest in a buy-to-let. The average rent for a property is £1,822 PCM and the average house cost is £414,497, offering an average rental yield of 4-5%.

As the city’s economy continues to grow, it is likely the demand for rental properties will also grow, leading to increases in rental prices and rental yields.

It is crucial to conduct thorough market research before making any investment decisions. These are recommendations, but the property market can change at any time, therefore it is wise to seek expert advice before investing.

Where do you get the highest rental yields in Exeter?

If you are looking for the highest rental yields in Exeter, then there are various options for you to choose from.

The City Centre

The Exeter city centre is a popular choice for student buy-to-lets with a range of new apartments and townhouses, and central to amenities such as the university, shops, and restaurants, there is an increasing demand for city centre living.

The average sold price in the city centre is £343,771 and the average rental price is £1,822.

Rental yields in the city centre are typically around 6-7% and come with high occupancy rates and potential for capital appreciation, making it a worthwhile investment. It is however also important to consider the additional costs involved in student buy-to-lets.

St Leonards

Located close to the city centre and Quayside, St Leonards is a popular choice with independent shops, good schools, and a community feel. 

It offers lots of period and characterful property and is a highly sought-after area, therefore coming with a premium price tag.

The average house price in St Leonards is £412, 328 and the average rental price is £1,437. This offers a 4% rental yield which provides a good balance between income and capital appreciation.

Alphington

A family-friendly area with good schools and parkland, offering a suburban feel close to the city. It has good links to the M5 motorway and major A roads such as the A38 and the A30.

It is also located close to the Marsh Barton commercial area, great for attracting young professionals.  

The average price of a property in Alphington is £369,964 and the average rental price is £1,437. This results in a rental yield of around 4-5%.

St Thomas

Another highly sought-after area located across the river Exe from the city centre. St Thomas has a great offering of schools, parks, and family amenities.

The average price for properties in St Thomas is £266,526 and the average rental price is £1,437. This provides a rental yield of 6-7%. 

Cranbrook

A new town with developments bringing over 8,000 new homes, Cranbrook offers great value new builds for investors. It also boasts a range of local amenities including a station with trains into Exeter and to London.

The average price of a house in Cranbrook is £288,132 and the average rental price is £1,702 which offers a great investment opportunity. The rental yield for this up-and-coming area is 7-8%.

Ready to invest in an Exeter buy-to-let?

Offering a range of buy-to-let investment opportunities. Exeter provides high rental yields, high rental demand, and capital appreciation for your investment.

It is important to carry out thorough market research before making any investment decisions.

Here at CIA, we help you to find the best and cheapest landlord insurance to protect your investment.

Contact us today for peace of mind for your investment.