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

Boston has the higher average gross yield at 6.5%, while Runcorn has the lower average purchase price at £175,000. 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 Runcorn?

The average gross rental yield in Runcorn is approximately 6.5%. On a typical £175,000 property that works out at roughly £948 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 Runcorn for Property Investment

Boston leads on gross yield at 6.5%, while Runcorn has the lower entry price at £175,000. Here is how the two markets compare on yield, price, deposit and tenant demand.

Boston vs Runcorn at a glance

Metric	Boston	Runcorn
Average gross yield	6.5%	6.5%
Average property price	£185,000	£175,000
Implied monthly rent	£1,002	£948
25% deposit	£46,250	£43,750
Stamp duty (additional property)	£9,250	£8,750
Population	45,000	65,000
Region	East Midlands	North West
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

Runcorn

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 65,000. On the average £175,000 purchase, a 6.5% gross yield implies roughly £948 per calendar month in rent — a useful sanity check when you are reviewing a listing. New town with Liverpool and Manchester access.

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

Full Runcorn 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, Runcorn needs around £43,750 as a 25% deposit. Averages only take you so far, though — run the actual listing through PropertyROI before you offer.

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