Bury Property Investment: Best Buy-to-Let Areas 2025
Bury is a sizeable town in Greater Manchester, with its world-famous market heritage and ambitious regeneration plans, it offers property investors a mix of established housing suburbs and interesting opportunities that blend good yields with good growth potential.
This growth could come from the borough's regeneration and agreed Government investment, including the councils approved masterplan, transformative developments for the town centre, a new Flexi Hall events venue, reimagined market quarter, and comprehensive transport infrastructure improvements, positioning Bury for sustainable growth through 2040.
Bury provides for all budgets, property types and tenant types, making it appealing for those investors looking to build a successful property portfolio that focuses on the basics of good rental yield (check out our rental yield calculator to see what good looks like), potential for growth and high tenant demand.
Data updated: February 2025. Next update: April 2025
Bury Buy-to-Let Market Overview 2025
Average yields range from 3.5% to 5.4%, with sold property prices spanning £140,122 to £414,999 (12% below UK average). Top performing areas include M26 (Radcliffe) for yields (5.4%) and M25 (Prestwich) for property values (averaging £335,143). Weekly rents range from £213 to £262, equivalent to monthly rents of £923 to £1,135.
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by Robert Jones, Founder of Property Investments UK
With nearly two decades in UK property, Rob has been investing in buy-to-let since 2005, and uses property data to develop tools for property market analysis.
Property Data Sources
Our location guide relies on diverse, authoritative datasets including:
- HM Land Registry UK House Price Index
- Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
- Ordnance Survey Data Hub
- Propertydata.co.uk
We update our property data quarterly to ensure accuracy. Last update: February 2025. Next update: April 2025. All data is presented as provided by our sources without adjustments or amendments.
Best Areas for Buy-to-Let in Bury
Highlights
Bury, which forms a key part of Greater Manchester, offers investors an established housing market with high tenant demand, yet with significant regeneration potential, particularly around its town centre masterplan areas.
Average for sale house prices £
- Premium areas: M25 (Prestwich) leads at £335,143, with M45 (Whitefield) at £328,585
- Mid-range: BL0 (Ramsbottom) at £320,251 and BL8 (Tottington) at £293,820
- Value opportunity: M26 (Radcliffe) at £226,061 represents the most accessible entry point
Average asking rents and yields
- Highest weekly rent: M25 (Prestwich) achieves £262, delivering a 4.1% yield
- Top yield area: M26 (Radcliffe) leads with 5.4% yield
- Premium yields: BL8 (Tottington) offers 4.2% with strong rental demand
Bury's property market benefits from excellent transport connections, particularly the Bury Metrolink service to Manchester city centre, which has six stations across the borough including Prestwich, Whitefield, and Radcliffe.
A standout opportunity exists in M26 (Radcliffe), combining the highest yields (5.4%) with the lowest average entry prices (£226,061). Premium areas like Prestwich (M25) and Whitefield (M45) attract professionals and families seeking strong transport links and impressive schools (including the historic Bury grammer school).
Why Invest in Bury?
Bury's investment appeal centres on its ambitious town centre masterplan, approved in March 2022, which sets out transformative development through to 2040. According to Bury Council's masterplan, notable developments include:
- A transformational revamp of the Mill Gate Shopping Centre, introducing new retail, leisure, residential and business spaces with a Bruntwood joint venture
- A new Flexi Hall venue - a carbon-neutral, multifunctional events space supporting market stalls, live performances, and community events
- A £33 million investment in to a new Bury Outdoor Market and Flexi Hall Venue with dedicated spaces for offices, workshops, and business start-ups
- £20 million investment into a new Radcliffe Civic & Enterprise Hub
- £100 million Prestwich Village regeneration
There are plenty of property tools that show Bury sounded by wealthy suburbs and high value homes, yet with affordable terraces and significantly cheaper than national average apartments. This mix of housing creates a balanced property market across Bury with appeal for all types of homeowners and property investors.
Bury Buy-to-Let Market Analysis 2025
When Was the Last House Price Crash in Bury?
The last significant property price crash in Bury occurred during the global financial crisis of 2008-2010, which happened after a large growth period of house prices between 2000 - 2007.
House price trends vary across Bury postcode districts with some areas experiencing faster growth than others. However, the overall trend for house prices in Bury has seen steady growth from 2010 to 2015 and then rapid growth from 2015 to 2021.
In 2021 to 2022 the Bury real estate market saw a small dip in prices, and again in 2023 but that recovered quickly and has continued growing, so any house price crash at this time was short lived.
Average Sold House Prices in Bury by Property Types
The latest sold house price index by the land registry, Nov 2024 (it is always a couple of months behind reporting its datasets), shows the following average sold house prices across the Bury local authority area.
Bury's property prices demonstrate value compared to UK averages, with overall prices 12% below national figures. The semi-detached market shows resilient performance at just 2% below UK averages, while detached properties are 5% below national figures. The most significant value opportunities exist in the flat and maisonette sector, at 40% below national averages, suggesting potential for a range of real estate strategies.
Bury (local authority area)
Updated February 2025
| Property Type | Bury Average Price | UK Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detached houses | £414,999 | £436,949 | -5% |
| Semi-detached houses | £277,116 | £283,546 | -2% |
| Terraced houses | £201,492 | £242,598 | -17% |
| Flats and maisonettes | £140,122 | £233,230 | -40% |
| All property types | £255,060 | £289,707 | -12% |
Property Data Sources
Our location guide relies on diverse, authoritative datasets including:
- HM Land Registry UK House Price Index
- Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
- Ordnance Survey Data Hub
- Propertydata.co.uk
We update our property data quarterly to ensure accuracy. Last update: February 2025. Next update: April 2025. All data is presented as provided by our sources without adjustments or amendments.
House Prices in Bury: For Sale Asking Prices (£)
Updated February 2025
The data represents the average asking prices of properties currently listed for sale in Bury.
| Rank | Area | Average House Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | M25 (Prestwich) | £335,143 |
| 2 | M45 (Whitefield) | £328,585 |
| 3 | BL0 (Ramsbottom) | £320,251 |
| 4 | BL8 (Tottington) | £293,820 |
| 5 | BL9 (Bury) | £258,082 |
| 6 | M26 (Radcliffe) | £226,061 |
Bury's asking prices show notable variation across different postcodes, with Prestwich (M25) commanding the highest at £335,143 and Whitefield (M45) following at £328,585. The more central areas generally show lower asking prices, while the northern suburban areas of Ramsbottom and Tottington maintain strong values. These figures represent average asking prices across all property types and should be considered alongside factors such as property size, condition, and specific location within each postcode.
Price Per Square Foot in Bury (£)
Updated February 2025
The data represents a blended average, combining the average asking price per square foot of properties currently for sale in Bury and the sold price per square foot of sold properties.
| Rank | Area | Price Per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | M25 (Prestwich) | £298 |
| 2 | M45 (Whitefield) | £285 |
| 3 | BL0 (Ramsbottom) | £280 |
| 4 | BL8 (Tottington) | £263 |
| 5 | BL9 (Bury) | £237 |
| 6 | M26 (Radcliffe) | £227 |
Bury's price per square foot values show variation across the borough, with Prestwich (M25) commanding the highest at £298 and Whitefield (M45) following at £285 per square foot. The southern suburbs generally show higher values, while areas closer to the town center and north Bolton show lower prices per square foot. These figures reflect the average across all property types and should be considered alongside factors such as building age, condition, and specific location within each postcode.
House Price Growth in Bury (%)
Updated February 2025
The data represents the average house price growth over the past five years, calculated using a blended rolling annual comparison of both sold prices and asking prices. These figures should be interpreted with caution, as they reflect average prices across all property types and include both properties currently for sale and those already sold.
| Rank | Area | 5 Year Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | BL9 (Bury) | 42.20% |
| 2 | M25 (Prestwich) | 31.40% |
| 3 | M26 (Radcliffe) | 27.50% |
| 4 | BL0 (Ramsbottom) | 26.10% |
| 5 | BL8 (Tottington) | 24.70% |
| 6 | M45 (Whitefield) | 24.40% |
Bury's growth figures show notable variation across different areas, with Bury town center (BL9) leading at 42.20%, followed by Prestwich (M25) at 31.40%. These figures should be viewed with some caution as they represent average prices across all property types and include properties 'for sale' and 'sold prices'. The data suggests particularly strong growth in central areas, with three postcodes showing growth above 27%. Meanwhile, areas like Whitefield (M45) and Tottington (BL8) show more modest but still positive growth rates above 24%.
Property Data Sources
Our location guide relies on diverse, authoritative datasets including:
- HM Land Registry UK House Price Index
- Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
- Ordnance Survey Data Hub
- Propertydata.co.uk
We update our property data quarterly to ensure accuracy. Last update: February 2025. Next update: April 2025. All data is presented as provided by our sources without adjustments or amendments.
Bury Buy-to-Let Rental Market Analysis
For those buying their first rental property, and thinking how much can you charge for rent in Bury?
The rental data below gives an indication on the rental income per month and the rental yields landlords can aim to achieve for traditional assured shorthold tenants. This is helpful if you are preparing to become a landlord in the Bury area.
Rental Prices in Bury (£)
Updated February 2025
The data represents the average monthly rent for long-let AST properties in Bury. These figures reflect rents across all property types and do not account for differences in property size, number of bedrooms, or short-term lets.
| Rank | Area | Average Weekly Rent | Average Monthly Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | M25 (Prestwich) | £262 | £1,135 |
| 2 | M45 (Whitefield) | £259 | £1,123 |
| 3 | BL8 (Tottington) | £237 | £1,027 |
| 4 | M26 (Radcliffe) | £233 | £1,010 |
| 5 | BL0 (Ramsbottom) | £217 | £940 |
| 6 | BL9 (Bury) | £213 | £923 |
Bury's rental market shows variation across different areas, with Prestwich (M25) and Whitefield (M45) achieving the highest average weekly rents at £262 and £259 respectively. The southern suburbs with good transport links to Manchester generally command higher rents, while the central areas show lower average rents. Remember these figures represent average rents across all property types, from studio apartments to larger houses, and actual achievable rents can vary significantly based on property size, condition, and specific location.
Gross Rental Yields in Bury (%)
Updated February 2025
The data represents the average gross rental yield in Bury, calculated using a snapshot of current properties for sale and properties for rent. These figures are based on asking prices.
| Rank | Area | Gross Rental Yield |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | M26 (Radcliffe) | 5.40% |
| 2 | BL9 (Bury) | 4.30% |
| 3 | BL8 (Tottington) | 4.20% |
| 4 | M25 (Prestwich) | 4.10% |
| 5 | M45 (Whitefield) | 4.10% |
| 6 | BL0 (Ramsbottom) | 3.50% |
Bury's rental yields show notable variation across different postcodes, with Radcliffe (M26) offering the highest yield at 5.40%, followed by Bury town center (BL9) at 4.30%. These areas typically have lower property prices combined with steady rental demand. These figures represent gross rental yields calculated from average rents and prices, and investors should note that net yields will be lower after accounting for costs, void periods, and management expenses.
Access our selection of exclusive, high-yielding, off-market property deals and a personal consultant to guide you through your options.
Is Bury Rent High?
Yes, Bury's rental costs can be seen as high when compared to local earnings, although not as high as nearby Manchester and parts of Cheshire.
Based on ONS data showing North West median weekly household income at £696 (£36,192 annually), comparisons for rental affordability as a ratio are:
In Prestwich (M25), which has Bury's highest weekly rents at £262 (£1,135 monthly), residents need to commit 37.6% of their gross income to rent, placing it in the high category. The situation is similar in Whitefield (M45), where weekly rents of £259 (£1,123 monthly) would require 37.2% of the median household income.
In more affordable areas like Bury town center (BL9), where weekly rents average £213 (£923 monthly), residents still need to commit 30.6% of median household income to rent, just crossing into the higher than average threshold. Areas like Tottington (BL8) show consistently moderate rental rates at £237 per week (£1,027 monthly), requiring around 34% of median gross household income.
While Bury's rental prices generally sit below neighbouring Manchester's levels, the reality for local residents is that housing costs still consume a substantial share of their income. With most areas requiring between 30-38% of median gross household income for rent, before tax, utilities, and other living expenses.
Are Bury House Prices High?
Bury's property market provides a more accessible alternative to the wider UK market, with HM Land Registry House Price Index data showing sold house prices below national averages across all property types.
Bury's average sold property price of £255,060 sits 12% below the UK average of £289,707.
Although this is higher than nearby Bolton, it is still significantly lower than nearby Stockport, placing Bury both geographically and for property affordability between the two.
The asking prices for properties in Bury right now (properties that are actively on the market for sale rather than actual sold prices noted above) vary across postcodes, from Prestwich (M25) at £335,143 and Whitefield (M45) at £328,585, down to more affordable areas like Radcliffe (M26) at £226,061 and Bury town center (BL9) at £258,082.
Yet with median annual earnings in the North West at £36,192 (£696 weekly), Bury's most affordable areas require around 6.2 times annual salary, while the more popular suburbs like Prestwich exceed 9.2 times the median regional wage if you wanted to buy a buy-to-let based on current values.
Even in areas like Tottington (BL8), where prices average £293,820, still require around 8.1 times the regional median salary, exceeding typical mortgage lending limits of 4-4.5 times household income.
How Much Deposit to Buy a House in Bury?
Assuming a 30% deposit for the average buy-to-let investor, here's an overview of deposit requirements across different Bury regions:
South Bury
- M25 (Prestwich): A buy-to-let investor looking at an average property (£335,143) would need to put down a 30% deposit of £100,543, with yields at 4.10%.
- M45 (Whitefield): In Whitefield, an investor would need a 30% deposit of £98,576 for an average property (£328,585), achieving a yield of 4.10%.
- M26 (Radcliffe): A buy-to-let investor would need a 30% deposit of £67,818 for an average property (£226,061), with Bury's highest yield at 5.40%.
North Bury
- BL0 (Ramsbottom): In Ramsbottom, an investor would need a 30% deposit of £96,075 for an average property (£320,251), offering a yield of 3.50%.
- BL8 (Tottington): An investor would require a 30% deposit of £88,146 for an average property (£293,820), achieving a yield of 4.20%.
Central Bury
- BL9 (Bury): For an average property in Bury town center (£258,082), a deposit of £77,425 would be needed, offering a yield of 4.30%.
For those considering how to start a property business, areas like Radcliffe (M26) offer an excellent balance of affordable entry prices and Bury's highest yield at 5.40%, while maintaining good transport links to Manchester.
Bury Population Growth
The total population of Bury was 193,900 (as of the last UK government census in 2021).
Bury's population has grown by 4.8%, increasing from 185,100 in 2011.
This growth rate was similar to the overall population increase across the North West region (5.2%) but lower than England's overall growth (6.6%).
The average (median) age in Bury remained stable at 40 years between the two censuses. This matches the demographic profile of both the North West region and England overall, which both had median ages of 40 years.
Notable age-related changes in Bury's population between 2011 and 2021 include:
- The number of residents aged 50-64 years increased by around 3,600 people (a 10.3% rise)
- The 35-49 age group decreased by around 2,900 people (a 7.2% reduction)
- The proportion of residents aged 50-64 increased by 1.0 percentage points to 19.7% of the population
Population density in Bury has also increased, with the area now home to approximately 13.9 people per football pitch-sized piece of land, up from 13.3 in 2011. This places Bury among the top 35% most densely populated English local authority areas.
Of particular interest to landlords, private renting has increased significantly:
- 17.7% of Bury households now rent privately (up from 13.8% in 2011)
- 14.9% live in social rented housing (slightly down from 15.0% in 2011)
- Home ownership has decreased from 69.6% to 66.9%
Below we look at the largest postcode districts by population across Bury and the population growth for each.
Population Growth in Bury by Postcode District
Population and growth rates by area (2021 Census data)
| Rank | Area | Population at 2021 Census | Population Growth 2011 to 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BL9 (Bury) | 47,942 | 4% |
| 2 | BL8 (Tottington) | 36,169 | 4% |
| 3 | M26 (Radcliffe) | 34,895 | 5% |
| 4 | M25 (Prestwich) | 31,252 | 4% |
| 5 | M45 (Whitefield) | 22,714 | 4% |
| 6 | BL0 (Ramsbottom) | 17,204 | 4% |
The population data shows largely consistent growth across Bury's postal districts, with most areas experiencing a 4% increase over the past decade, while M26 (Radcliffe) showed slightly stronger growth at 5%. BL9 (Bury) and BL8 (Tottington) are the most populous districts, with over 36,000 residents each. The population distribution shows a clear pattern, with central and southern districts having larger populations than northern areas. Even the smallest district by population, BL0 (Ramsbottom) with 17,204 residents, maintained steady growth at 4%, indicating stable development across the borough. Note: While the postcode district data totals 190,176 residents, Bury's total population is 193,900. This difference occurs because some postcode districts that cross local authority boundaries are not included in the district-level breakdown.
Bury Landlord Licensing
Buy-to-Let Licensing
For Bury buy-to-let landlords with traditional individual or family tenants, there currently isn't a mandatory, selective or additional landlord licensing scheme in place across Bury. However they haven't ruled out bringing this in their housing policy.
Houses of Multiple Occupation Licensing
Landlords who want to invest in a HMO (house in multiple occupation) in Stockport are likely to need a mandatory licence. This is currently a requirement for all HMOs with:
- 5 or more people
- From 2 or more households
- Who share facilities (such as bathrooms or kitchens)
Current Bury HMO Licensing Fees:
- New HMO licence (up to 5 occupants): £646
- Additional fee per person/letting above 5 occupants: £27 per person
- New licence holder application fee (where no additional inspections needed): £94
Licenses are valid for 5 years from the date of issue, though they can be issued for shorter periods in some circumstances. Bury council HMO requirements can be found here.
Bury Article 4 Directions
Bury has Article 4 directions in place across several conservation areas, which means you need planning permission to change a house from a traditional buy-to-let home (classed as a C3 dwelling house) to a HMO (classed as a C4 house in multiple occupation).
Key conservation areas with Article 4 directions include:
- St Mary's, Prestwich
- Holcombe
The council may introduce further Article 4 directions in conservation areas to strengthen their character and appearance. You can see a map of Bury council and overlays for items like planning here.
How to Invest in Buy-to-Let in Bury
For properties to buy in Bury including:
- Finding off-market properties
- Buy-to-lets
- Buying a Holiday let or Serviced accommodation
- HMOs (houses of multiple occupation)
- PBSA (purpose built student accommodation)
- and other high yielding opportunities
We have partnered with the best property investment agents we can find for 8+ years.
Here you can get access to the latest investment property opportunities from our network.
For more information about specific areas:
- If you're interested in the highest returns, consider M26 (Radcliffe) with yields of 5.4% and BL9 (Bury) at 4.3%
- For alternative options with affordable entry prices, check out our guide to the cheapest areas to live in Manchester
- For different opportunities further afield consider exploring buy-to-let in Newcastle or buy-to-let in Durham.