Property investment stats for Washington, North East

• Strong rental yields of 6.6% and even higher returns of 7.4% in the top-performing district make Washington appealing for income-focused investors.
• Properties sell quickly, with a typical time on the market of 28 days, and there is no median discount to asking prices (£0 (the typical achieved discount)), suggesting good liquidity.
• The affordability metrics, including a price-to-income ratio of 3.2, and modest asking prices for both houses and flats, support potential for stable tenant demand.

• Capital values have changed by -0.4% over the past year and by -0.8% annualised over three years, so price growth has been weak.
• The area has a high percentage of social rented housing (in the 88th percentile), which may limit the pool of private tenants and affect rental market dynamics.
• Lower levels of degree-educated and professional residents (both in the 15th percentile) could restrict future growth in demand from higher-income tenants or buyers.

Washington’s rental market is likely to remain robust, given the combination of strong yields and affordability. The quick sales pace and lack of median discount to asking prices suggest that properties are in demand, even if capital growth has been muted.

Investors should not expect significant price appreciation in the near term, with recent capital growth metrics showing little movement. However, for those focused on stable rental income rather than capital gains, the fundamentals are supportive. The area’s demographic mix and high social rented housing presence may keep growth modest, but the overall outlook for income-focused investors remains positive.