Sunderland recorded an average gross yield of 9.3%, according to analysis of Zoopla’s data from Landlord Resource.
Sunderland has recorded the highest buy-to-let (BTL) yields in 2026, with an average gross yield of 9.3%, according to analysis of Zoopla’s data from Landlord Resource.
Average monthly rent in Sunderland stood at £659, which is less than half the London average.
Aberdeen followed, delivering a yield of 8.3% and average rent of £734.
Burnley, Dundee, and Middlesbrough also recorded strong returns, all above 8%.
The North East posted the highest regional yield at 7.9%.
Scotland matched that figure, while the North West was close behind.
London saw the lowest yields in the country, averaging 5.1%.
Saif Derzi, property advisor at Landlord Resource, said: “There’s lots of information out there when it comes to picking the right location for a buy-to-let property, and it can be overwhelming knowing who to trust.
“Before basing your buying preferences on a yield figure, you should cross-check at least two independent sources – this could include a housing portal and a lending tracker.
“While the latest data suggests that buy-to-let opportunity in the North is great for a return on investment, it will cost you growth as a result.”
Derzi added: “Typically, housing prices in Southern England have risen nearly twice as fast in the past decade as compared with northern counterparts.
“For those looking to pick an area imminently, they should note that city-level rankings are too coarse to buy on.
“You need to be honing in on exact locations, and the yield gaps between different city locations and local areas can be extreme.”
He said: “Run a deal through Landlord Resource’s Rental yield calculator, and compare gross yields, net yields, monthly cash flow, and whether the property passes renter stress tests.”