Property investment stats for Darlington, North East

• Rental yields are attractive, with an average rental yield of 6.7% and an even higher figure in the top-performing area at 7.2%.
• Affordability is a key strength, given the price-to-income ratio of 3.1 and median sale prices such as £190,000 for a 3-bedroom house.
• The market is liquid, with properties selling in an average of 35 days and a median discount to asking price of £2,000 (the typical achieved discount), which indicates buyers have some room to negotiate.

• Capital growth has been inconsistent, with a 1-year growth of -2.4% that may concern those seeking short-term gains.
• The degree-educated and professional population is in the lower third nationally, which could limit demand for higher-end properties.
• The area has a relatively high unemployment rate (74th percentile), which could impact tenant stability or future price growth.

Looking ahead, Darlington’s affordability and strong rental yields should continue to underpin investor interest. The annualised three-year growth rate of 2.3% shows there is some long-term upward movement, even if recent capital growth has changed by -2.4% in the last year.

Demand from renters is likely to remain robust, especially as the private rented sector is larger than in most British towns. The market’s liquidity, with properties selling in an average of 35 days, suggests that investors should be able to buy and sell with relative ease. While the professional and degree-educated population is not especially high, Darlington’s fundamentals of affordability and yield keep it appealing for those focused on income rather than rapid capital gains.