If you’re looking to invest in property in the North of England, towns like Halifax, Barnsley and Wakefield might already be on your radar. However, more and more landlords are turning their attention to Huddersfield, and with good reason. With affordable property prices, strong rental yields, and a broad tenant base, Huddersfield offers a rare balance of stability and opportunity.
For investors looking for balance between affordability, demand, and long-term value, Huddersfield is increasingly hard to ignore. Here’s why it stands out in the current market.
Why Huddersfield is Gaining Traction with Landlords
Judging by recent trends, Huddersfield is a standout location for landlords. Average monthly rents have risen by 37% in five years, from £585 to £805, outpacing both the 35% national rise and the 32% increase across Yorkshire & Humber.
At the same time, property values in Huddersfield have jumped by 40.35% since 2020, outperforming growth in Wakefield (36.02%) and Doncaster (38.42%).
While rental yields in Huddersfield average 6.42%, slightly behind Barnsley (7.15%) and Wakefield (6.56%), the town’s blend of affordability, tenant stability and capital growth makes it an increasingly appealing option for landlords.
Prime Location with Commuter Appeal
Huddersfield’s position between Leeds and Manchester makes it ideal for commuting professionals. The town enjoys frequent rail services and proximity to the M62 and M1, giving residents flexible access to jobs across West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. This sets it apart from places like Barnsley, which has fewer rail connections and longer travel times to major cities.
For landlords, this means demand isn’t just local. People rent in Huddersfield because it offers better value for money while keeping them close to urban work opportunities. The appeal to city-based professionals, especially in sectors like finance, law, healthcare and tech, ensures a broader tenant pool and more stable income.
A Stable Tenant Mix
Some towns rely heavily on one group: students, for instance, or retirees. Huddersfield, in contrast, has a well-balanced rental market that serves:
- Students attending the University of Huddersfield, who create high annual demand for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and apartments close to the town centre.
- Young professionals drawn by connectivity, affordability and job opportunities, especially in Lindley, Marsh and Edgerton.
- Growing families attracted to suburbs like Almondbury, Newsome and Golcar, where good schools and community amenities are strong draws.
- Retirees relocating to quieter areas like Honley, Holmfirth and Outlane, where they find both charm and convenience.
This variety reduces risk for landlords. If one segment dips, others often compensate, supporting longer tenancies and fewer void periods.
Rental Yields that Stay Competitive
Rental yields in Huddersfield generally sit between 6% and 8%, depending on the area and property type. Yields tend to be strongest near the university and train station, perfect for student HMOs or one-bed commuter flats.
Nearby, Wakefield and Barnsley have seen sharper rises in property values, which often compresses yields for new investors. Huddersfield still offers space to grow, especially in areas like Lockwood, Crosland Moor and Dalton, where three-bedroom terraces regularly sell for under £180,000.
Regeneration that Delivers
Regeneration isn’t just promised in Huddersfield: it’s happening. Kirklees Council’s Huddersfield Blueprint has already made visible progress, with redevelopment of the Piazza, new cultural venues in the town centre, and major upgrades to public transport facilities.
This kind of investment tends to ripple outward. As pedestrian areas improve, transport gets easier and leisure options grow, the appeal of central Huddersfield increases. Landlords who bought flats and terraces close to these zones a few years ago are now seeing both rising values and growing tenant demand.
In towns where regeneration projects remain in early stages or rely heavily on private funding, progress can be slower and more uncertain. Huddersfield’s public sector commitment makes it more dependable for investors planning ahead.
Steady Local Economy
Huddersfield’s economy might not grab headlines, but it’s solid. Major employers like the University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, Cummins and Syngenta provide thousands of jobs in sectors like education, healthcare, manufacturing and life sciences. That provides security and security attracts tenants.
Add in the growth of the digital and creative sector in places like Slaithwaite and Marsden, popular with young professionals, and the town begins to show more future-facing credentials as well.
Tenant Satisfaction and Community
Tenant retention often comes down to lifestyle, not just cost. Huddersfield offers renters a mix of urban and rural experiences that many northern towns struggle to match. A tenant living in Honley or Holmfirth enjoys great views, a vibrant community, and access to local walks, all within a short commute of town or city jobs.
This translates to fewer move-outs, fewer complaints, and more settled tenancies. That, in turn, means lower costs and more income reliability for landlords.
What this Means for Landlords
For new and experienced landlords alike, Huddersfield offers:
- Affordability: Lower entry prices than comparable towns.
- Tenant stability: A wider pool of tenants keeps voids low.
- Growth potential: Ongoing investment and regeneration.
- Reliable returns: Balanced yields without excessive risk.
And unlike places chasing high churn or fast-flip returns, Huddersfield supports landlords who want to build steady, long-term income.
Tips for New Investors
If you’re new to investing in Huddersfield, here are some simple steps to get started:
- Pick the right area: Match your property type to your target tenant. Students? Stay near the university. Families? Look for schools, green space and parking.
- Consider management: A local agent can handle everything from tenant checks to repairs and inspections.
- Stay compliant: Rules around safety, deposits, and licensing change regularly. A good agent will keep you updated and protected.
- Budget realistically: Include a buffer for maintenance, insurance and voids, even if they’re rare. A 6 percent yield on paper should still allow for real-world costs.
For experienced landlords, Huddersfield also offers opportunities to diversify. Mixed-use properties, portfolio additions, and upgrading older lets to meet new standards are all viable strategies that the local market can support.
Why Work with Martin & Co Huddersfield?
At Martin & Co Huddersfield, we’ve helped hundreds of landlords build reliable returns from local property. Whether you’re based in town or investing from outside the area, our team understands what works and what to avoid.
We offer tailored advice on high-demand areas, manage everything from tenant checks to maintenance, and help you stay fully compliant. We understand the Huddersfield market inside out, and we’re here to help you invest with clarity and confidence.
Get in touch with our team to see how we can help manage your Huddersfield investments or to get a free lettings valuation.
You can also browse our guides and advice for local insights tailored to landlords like you .
