How do I choose the right location and property type for a buy-to-let investment in the North West?

Our latest guide breaks down what investors should consider - plus a detailed look at opportunities across each North West location where Farrell Heyworth operates.

What to consider when choosing a buy-to-let location

• Tenant demand: Look at who rents in the area - students, families, professionals, retirees - and choose a property type suited to them.
• Rental yields: Areas with lower property prices often achieve stronger percentage yields.
• Capital growth potential: Regeneration, new transport links and popular schools push property values higher over time.
• Local employment: Strong job markets attract stable, long-term tenants.
• Property condition: Newer homes need less maintenance; older terraces often deliver higher yields but more upkeep.
• Local amenities: Public transport, shops, universities, hospitals and business hubs all increase demand.

Choosing the right property type

• Apartments: Popular with young professionals; often lower maintenance but sometimes higher service charges.
• Terraced houses: Common in the North West, offering good affordability and solid yields.
• Semi-detached homes: Ideal for families; stable, long-term tenants and steady growth.
• HMOs: Higher yields but heavier regulation and management requirements.
• New-builds: Attractive to tenants and energy-efficient, though purchase price may be higher.

With these factors in mind, here is a breakdown of opportunities across the North West in every area served by Farrell Heyworth.

Buy-to-let opportunities across the North West

Bamber Bridge

Bamber Bridge offers excellent commuter access to Preston and the M6, making it attractive to professionals and young families. Terraced homes and modern new-build estates perform especially well. Explore local opportunities at our Bamber Bridge branch.

Barrow

Barrow has strong rental demand driven by BAE Systems and associated engineering roles. Yields are among the highest in the region due to lower purchase prices. Older terraces and worker-friendly homes are ideal. Visit our Barrow branch.

Blackpool

Blackpool's market is diverse, with high demand for affordable rentals, holiday lets and family homes. Regeneration around the town centre continues to attract investors. Explore opportunities at our Blackpool branch.

Carnforth

Carnforth is popular with commuters and families seeking quieter living close to Lancaster and the Lakes. Semi-detached homes and modern estates perform well. Learn more at our Carnforth branch.

Chorley

Chorley offers a strong blend of employment, schools and connectivity. Family homes and modern developments are consistently in demand. Visit our Chorley branch.

Cleveleys

Cleveleys attracts families and retirees thanks to its coastal lifestyle and affordable homes. Bungalows, semis and terraces are all popular with tenants. Explore opportunities via our Cleveleys branch.

Fulwood

Fulwood is one of Preston's most desirable suburbs, driven by hospital staff, professionals and families. New-builds and modern apartments achieve strong rents. See more at our Fulwood branch.

Garstang

Garstang offers a stable market with high appeal to families and downsizers. Properties with parking and gardens attract long-term tenants. Visit the Garstang branch for local insights.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a prime rental hotspot thanks to its universities, hospital, and business sector. Student rentals, terraces and modern apartments all perform strongly. Explore more via our Lancaster branch.

Leyland

Leyland offers good value investments, strong local employment and excellent commuter links. Terraces and modern family homes are especially popular. Visit our Leyland branch.

Morecambe

With the Eden Project North attracting national attention, Morecambe is becoming a major investment hotspot. Coastal apartments and terraces show strong rental potential. Discover opportunities through our Morecambe branch.

Ormskirk

Ormskirk benefits from Edge Hill University, strong schools and excellent commuter appeal. Student HMOs and family homes both perform well. Explore the area at our Ormskirk branch.

Penwortham

Penwortham's growing popularity with professionals and families makes it ideal for long-term rentals. Semi-detached homes and modern builds are strong choices. Visit our Penwortham branch.

Poulton

Poulton-le-Fylde is a high-demand market thanks to good schools, nightlife and commuter routes. Apartments and family homes let quickly. Learn more via our Poulton branch.

Preston

Preston's expanding university, new developments and major employers keep rental demand high. Terraces and newly built apartments often achieve the best yields. See local stock at our Preston branch.

Southport

Southport appeals to retirees, families and professionals. Larger period properties, flats and bungalows all perform well depending on target tenants. Explore with our Southport branch.

St Annes

Lytham St Annes offers coastal living, strong schools and premium tenant demand. Apartments and higher-end homes attract stable long-term renters. Visit our St Annes branch.

Westhoughton

Westhoughton is popular with commuters travelling to Manchester, Bolton and Wigan. Affordable terraces and modern estates deliver excellent yields. Explore more at our Westhoughton branch.

How Farrell Heyworth helps buy-to-let investors

Our experienced team can help you analyse rental yields, choose the best neighbourhood and find properties suited to your tenant profile. We offer valuation services, lettings management and expert local insights across all North West markets.

Wherever you want to invest, Farrell Heyworth can help you make a confident and informed decision.