What is Rental Yield?
Gross rental yield is simply your annual rent divided by the property value, expressed as a percentage. It ignores all costs. Net rental yield deducts all running costs and gives a much more accurate picture of your actual return.
What is a Good Rental Yield in the UK?
Gross yields vary significantly by region. In London, yields of 3โ4% are common but capital growth potential tends to be higher. In northern cities like Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham, gross yields of 6โ8%+ are achievable. A net yield of 4%+ is generally considered acceptable for buy-to-let.
Section 24 Mortgage Interest Restriction
Since April 2020, landlords can no longer deduct mortgage interest directly from rental income. Instead, they receive a 20% tax credit on mortgage interest payments. For higher-rate taxpayers this significantly increases the effective tax rate on rental income. Always model your post-tax position before purchasing.