Property investment stats for Houghton-le-Spring, North East

• Rental yields are eye-catching, with the average at 6.1% and the top postcode district delivering 7.7%, making this a standout for income-focused investors.
• Properties are affordable, with a median price per square foot of £155 per sq ft and a price-to-income ratio of 3.0, which keeps the barrier to entry refreshingly low.
• Homes sell quickly, with an average of 23 days on the market and a median discount to asking price of £2,000 (the typical achieved discount), so liquidity is rarely an issue here.

• Capital growth has changed by -0.8% in the past year and the three-year trend is -1.3% per year, so long-term appreciation looks muted.
• The area has a high proportion of social rented housing and a low share of private rentals, which can limit tenant demand for traditional buy-to-let.
• The population is older than average and the share of professionals is in the lower percentiles, so demand from high-earning renters may be limited.

Looking ahead, the market in Houghton-le-Spring is likely to remain stable, with affordability and rental yields continuing to appeal to investors who prioritise income over growth. With a median asking sale price for a three-bedroom house at £167,475 and median rent at £1,175, the rent-to-income ratio sits at 18.3%, suggesting rents are still within reach for most locals.

Capital growth prospects look flat, given the changes of -0.8% over one year and -1.3% per year over three years, but yields should help cushion the ride. The low proportion of private renters and older demographic mean the market is less exposed to volatility but may also lack the spark for rapid transformation. In short, Houghton-le-Spring offers a safe port for yield hunters but isn't likely to surprise anyone with a sudden surge in values. Steady as she goes.