Property investment stats for Old Town, East London

• The area boasts strong rental yields of 6.8%, making it appealing for income-focused investors.
• A large student and young professional population ensures a steady stream of potential tenants, particularly for smaller flats and shared accommodation.
• The top postcode district for rental yield, E16, offers an impressive yield of 6.5%, suggesting pockets of even higher returns within Old Town.

• The rent-to-income ratio of 42.7% is high, which could limit rental growth or lead to affordability pressures among tenants.
• Owner-occupation is rare (in the 2nd percentile), indicating limited demand from buyers who want to live in the area long-term and potentially affecting capital appreciation.
• The unemployment rate is in the 99th percentile, which may increase the risk of arrears or void periods for landlords.

Looking ahead, Old Town's rental market appears resilient, with steady demand from a young, mobile population and ongoing appeal to students and families. The median rent for a 2-bedroom flat of £2,250 remains competitive for London, though affordability will continue to be a concern for many tenants.

Given the current average days on market of 53 days, liquidity should remain reasonable, but investors should be mindful of the area's high unemployment rate and the potential for economic shocks. The balance of high rental yields and a limited pool of owner-occupiers means price growth may be slower than in other parts of London, but income returns are likely to stay attractive. Over the next year, I expect Old Town to remain a solid choice for investors prioritising yield and tenant demand over short-term capital gains.