Property investment stats for Cottam (Preston), North West

• The average rental yield of 5.1% and a standout district yield of 5.5% offer stable income potential for landlords.
• Affordability metrics, such as a price-to-income ratio of 4.6 and a median sale price for a three-bedroom house of £260,000, make entry costs relatively low compared to many parts of Britain.
• The strong presence of families and professionals, with the area in the 94th and 82nd percentiles respectively, supports steady demand for quality housing.

• The private rented sector is very limited, sitting in the 2nd percentile, which may restrict tenant pool size and rental liquidity.
• Properties take a moderate 68 days to sell, which could impact exit speed for investors seeking quick sales.
• The median achieved minus asking price of £2,000 (the typical achieved discount) suggests buyers expect some negotiation, potentially affecting returns for sellers.

Cottam’s fundamentals point to ongoing stability, with steady sales and a family-driven demographic mix. The combination of a low price-to-income ratio of 4.6 and modest capital growth (1.6% over one year, 4.1% over three) suggests investors should expect gradual rather than explosive gains.

The limited size of the private rental sector means opportunities are best for those targeting family lets or longer-term tenancies. Rental yields remain solid at 5.1%, and the area’s appeal to professionals and degree-educated residents bodes well for ongoing demand. Investors should be prepared for moderate liquidity and some negotiation on sale prices, but the overall outlook is for slow, steady returns rather than sharp swings.