Property investment stats for Stratford, East London

• Investors benefit from strong rental demand, with a rent-to-income ratio of 48.1% and an average rental yield of 7.2% that stands out for London.
• The area’s large population of students and young professionals (both in the 90th percentile or higher) underpins consistent demand for flats and shared accommodation.
• Median asking rents for both two-bedroom flats (£2,845) and three-bedroom houses (£2,625) are robust, supporting income-focused strategies.

• Capital growth has been subdued, with a 1-year growth of 0.8% and a negative annualised 3-year figure of -1.2%, so short-term appreciation is not a given.
• Affordability is a challenge for both buyers and renters, as seen in the price-to-income ratio of 7.7 and the rent-to-income ratio of 48.1%, which could cap future price rises.
• Unemployment is in the 94th percentile nationally, which may pose risks to tenant stability and rent collection.

Stratford’s outlook is shaped by its status as a magnet for young renters and professionals. The area’s strong rental yields of 7.2% and continued tenant demand are likely to persist, especially given the low rate of owner-occupation and high proportion of privately rented homes. Investors should not expect rapid capital growth, given the 3-year annualised figure of -1.2% and the subdued 1-year growth of 0.8%.

Affordability pressures are likely to remain, with both sale and rent prices high relative to incomes, but this is in line with patterns seen across much of London. Liquidity is decent, with homes selling in an average of 67 days, so investors can expect reasonable exit options. In short, Stratford is a rental market play: steady, income-driven and best suited to those with a long-term perspective rather than a quick flip.