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Top University Locations for Landlords in 2026

Stoke and Plymouth emerge as top locations for landlords in 2026, offering strong rental yields in the student property market.

By David Sampson
7 September 2026
3 min read
UK student mortgage article image for Top University Locations for Landlords in 2026

TL;DR

  • Stoke offers landlords a student property yield of 9.42%, while Plymouth follows at 9.27%.
  • these figures indicate lucrative opportunities for property investors in university towns.

Written by David Sampson for Mortgage118. Last updated 7 September 2026. Reviewed against our editorial standards. Editorial standards. Mortgage118 is a directory — not FCA-authorised and not a mortgage adviser.

Recent data highlights Stoke and Plymouth as the top locations for landlords investing in student properties, with impressive rental yields. Stoke, home to the University of Staffordshire and Keele University, boasts a student property yield of 9.42%, while Plymouth follows closely with a yield of 9.27%. This information is vital for landlords looking to maximise their investment returns in the student rental market.

Why Are Stoke and Plymouth Leading the Rankings?

Stoke’s attractive yield of 9.42% is derived from an average annual rental income of £14,222 against a property valuation of £150,982. This combination makes it an appealing option for landlords. Similarly, Plymouth’s yield of 9.27% results from an average rental income of £35,224 and a property value of £379,881. These figures highlight the strong demand for student accommodation in these areas, driven by the presence of significant universities.

How Do Other Cities Compare?

Following Stoke and Plymouth, Liverpool ranks third with a yield of 8.86%, supported by an annual rental income of £26,399 and an average property valuation of £297,951. Portsmouth and Cardiff complete the top five, yielding 8.31% and 8.27% respectively. Edinburgh, Coventry, York, and Leeds also show yields exceeding 8%, indicating a robust market for student rentals across various cities.

What This Means for Landlords

The data suggests a strong rental market for landlords targeting student properties, particularly in Stoke and Plymouth. With average yields in known student postcodes at 7.32%, compared to 6.86% in non-student areas, landlords can expect higher returns on their investments. This trend is particularly significant as students prepare for the new academic year, making it an opportune time for landlords to enter or expand in the student rental market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors contribute to high rental yields in university towns?

High rental yields in university towns are often driven by strong demand for student accommodation, limited housing supply, and the presence of reputable universities that attract a large student population.

How can landlords maximise their investment in student properties?

Landlords can maximise their investment by focusing on properties in high-demand areas, ensuring they meet student needs, and staying informed about market trends and rental prices.

About David Sampson

David Sampson writes about the UK mortgage market for Mortgage118, covering specialist lending, market trends, and practical advice for borrowers. All content is reviewed for accuracy against FCA guidelines and current market data.

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