Property investment stats for Sawbridgeworth, East of England

• The high proportion of owner-occupiers in the 90th percentile creates a stable environment for long-term property investment.
• Steady sales volumes of 176 a year and average days on market of 75 days suggest consistent liquidity for sellers.
• The area’s top postcode district offers a rental yield of 3.0%, which is in line with the local average and may appeal to investors seeking stable returns.

• The annual capital growth has changed by -7.3% over the past year, which could signal short-term volatility or a cooling market.
• Affordability is stretched, as shown by the 7.3 price-to-income ratio and 23.4% rent-to-income ratio, which could limit future price growth or tenant demand.
• Rental yields are moderate at 3.0%, so investors relying on high income returns may find better prospects elsewhere.

The outlook for Sawbridgeworth is one of cautious optimism. The area’s high owner-occupation rate and stable sales activity suggest that the market is underpinned by local demand rather than speculative investment. While the -7.3% change in annual capital growth hints at some recent softness, the three-year figure of 4.8% and an annualised growth rate of 1.6% indicate that the longer-term trend is more positive.

Affordability remains a concern, with both the 7.3 price-to-income ratio and 23.4% rent-to-income ratio at levels that could constrain further growth. However, steady liquidity and a relatively affluent, professional population in the 78th percentile for professionals and managers support ongoing demand. Investors should expect moderate returns and a stable market rather than rapid gains.