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Ask the Lettings Expert


Swindon – A Buy-to-Let Hotspot and a Great Opportunity for savvy investors

The new pension rules mean that anyone over the age of 55 can take out all of their pension as cash and will no longer have to buy an annuity. For people who are wary of the risks involved in stocks and shares, property represents a much safer alternative.

Property is generally considered to be an excellent long term investment. The potential growth of the buy-to-let property market is indicated by the following statistics from the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA): the private rental sector will grow from its current level of around 11% of the housing market to approximately 20% in the year 2020. One nationwide survey found that 29% of retirees were planning to use their pension to buy property. The discerning ones should take a serious look at Swindon.
 

There are two compelling reasons why Swindon is a prime location for any new buy-to-let investor.
 

  1. Demand consistently outstrips supply. At Dewhurst & Co we manage the largest portfolio of properties in Swindon, but we can still never find enough houses and flats to let! On average it takes us just 7 days to find tenants.
     
  2. Rental yields are much better than other towns in the South West. You could buy a 2 bed-apartment in North Swindon for between £120/£130,000 and we would expect to rent this for £625/650 pcm, giving you a gross yield in-excess of 6%. Similar returns are also available on 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses. 
     

The future prospects for Swindon are also strong. A new study by Barclays Mortgages reveals that Swindon has entered the UK’s top 20 ranking of buy-to-let hotspots, coming in at number 18 - up from number 79 just a year ago, a staggering rise. The growing popularity of Swindon reflects the fact that landlords are looking for value outside of London along the M4 commuter belt.

If you would like to talk about buy-to-let or renting in Swindon, we would love to hear from you. 


Mike Dewhurst MARLA.FNAEA (Managing Director)
Chris Dewhurst_Dewhurst & Co_Swindon Property
Mike Dewhurst works closely with both existing and new landlords, giving them advice on capital growth and yields. He is also able to advise on suitable Buy-to-Let investment opportunities having worked in Swindon since 1982. His knowledge of both new homes and second hand properties in the Swindon area and villages is second to none.
mike@dewhurstandco.com
01793 70 90 90

Dewhurst & Co - We Know Swindon, We Know Lettings