best places in South-East England for buy-to-let?

[craigiep]

where are supposedly the best places in London and the south-east for buy-to-let properties which will give good long-term appreciation in value? I wouldn't even mind renting the place to students, as I hear that can pull in good money.

[Hammer]

I think you've missed the boat. Mortgage payments are generally higher than rental income now and there's a danger of property prices falling in the near term with two more rate hikes coming this year (probably). It's not as easy as it used to be to make your fortune this way.

[EverClean]

I think if you take the long-term view that I want the rent to cover the mortgage and I'll take any capital appreciation then the potential is there inb most places. I've seen a lot of recent activity in Reading (I'm told that several big companies are locating there) and most parts of London will see property prices rise over the long term. In the student market Cambridge will always be competetive for Uni places and with other University related fees rising, the rental market will attract people willing to pay higher rent.

[cascarelli]

Any town or city with an expanding commercial sector would be suitable. Reading is one of those and there are cheaper housing areas around Reading. Also, anywhere on decent commuter rail routes into London.

With interest rates going up on mortgages it can also have the opposite effect and make a larger market for rental properties for those that cant or dont want to get on the housing ladder.