Is Boston or Kilmarnock better for buy-to-let?

Boston has the higher average gross yield at 6.5%, while Kilmarnock has the lower average purchase price at £115,000. Higher-yield markets suit cash-flow investors; lower-yield, higher-price markets tend to be capital-growth plays.

What is the average rental yield in Boston?

The average gross rental yield in Boston is approximately 6.5%. On a typical £185,000 property that works out at roughly £1,002 per month in rent before mortgage costs, letting fees, insurance and maintenance. Net yield after costs is usually 1.5–2.5 percentage points lower.

What is the average rental yield in Kilmarnock?

The average gross rental yield in Kilmarnock is approximately 6.5%. On a typical £115,000 property that works out at roughly £623 per month in rent before mortgage costs, letting fees, insurance and maintenance. Net yield after costs is usually 1.5–2.5 percentage points lower.

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Location comparison

Boston vs Kilmarnock for Property Investment

Boston leads on gross yield at 6.5%, while Kilmarnock has the lower entry price at £115,000. Here is how the two markets compare on yield, price, deposit and tenant demand.

Boston vs Kilmarnock at a glance

Metric	Boston	Kilmarnock
Average gross yield	6.5%	6.5%
Average property price	£185,000	£115,000
Implied monthly rent	£1,002	£623
25% deposit	£46,250	£28,750
Stamp duty (additional property)	£9,250	£5,750
Population	45,000	45,000
Region	East Midlands	Scotland
Investor rating	Good	Good

Boston

Typical stock is a mix of terraces, ex-council semis and a growing number of apartment conversions closer to the centre. Tenant demand is underpinned by local employment in services, healthcare and logistics, supported by a population of around 45,000. On the average £185,000 purchase, a 6.5% gross yield implies roughly £1,002 per calendar month in rent — a useful sanity check when you are reviewing a listing. Affordable Lincolnshire market town.

Strong fit
Standard buy-to-let
Consider carefully
HMO / rent by the room
Strong fit
First-time landlord

Full Boston guide

Kilmarnock

Stock is dominated by Victorian and inter-war terraces, with two- and three-bed houses making up most of what comes to market. Tenant demand is underpinned by local employment in services, healthcare and logistics, supported by a population of around 45,000. On the average £115,000 purchase, a 6.5% gross yield implies roughly £623 per calendar month in rent — a useful sanity check when you are reviewing a listing. Ayrshire town with high yields.

Strong fit
Standard buy-to-let
Consider carefully
HMO / rent by the room
Strong fit
First-time landlord

Full Kilmarnock guide

Which is the better investment?

If monthly cash flow is your priority, Boston is the stronger option on paper at 6.5% gross. If you want the lower capital commitment, Kilmarnock needs around £28,750 as a 25% deposit. Averages only take you so far, though — run the actual listing through PropertyROI before you offer.

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