The Ultimate Guide to Investing in East Belfast

What are the key investment areas in East Belfast?

This is a question I get asked all the time!

So, in this article, I would like to share a taster of the key areas in East Belfast ideal for investing in, along with their best strategies (in my opinion).

I have long been a fan of the East due to its versatility, affordability, capital growth, and strong rental market. Its positioning and demographic also frequently and thankfully allow for alternative exit strategies.

The East of the city is the shortest commute to the city centre and is closest to Titanic Quarter. It is a very popular choice for business people, young professionals, first-time buyers and renters.

The transport links are excellent, and there has also been a recent new bus infrastructure, which runs from early morning to late evening. In some parts of the East, the commute is even within walking distance to the centre.

In my twenties, I lived in the East across many different areas (which I have featured in this blog), and I always felt safe and happy. Hopefully, I am not biased through the haze of nostalgia, but I definitely know I am in great company locally, in terms of favour for this area.

So, I have gathered my top 4 areas in the East according to affordability, return, and market attractability. A small disclaimer- please note that this is based on my experience and opinion, and is subject to change, and in fact differences of opinion! Unfortunately, I don’t have the magical property crystal ball or access to knowledge of future political/economic/global events, should you be reading this article after the print date and things have changed!

Now that is out of the way, let me take you on a virtual walk around…

Woodstock/Cregagh Road area

This is an ideal investment area-full of terrace houses, close to amenities and the city centre, with houses typically at ￡80-100k (at time of writing).

For a 2-3 bed terrace, yields can be between 6-8% and average typical rent can be anywhere from ￡425 to ￡650 depending on the finish.

This area has become more popular for HMO’s recently, attracting the young professional market. FYI it is advisable to check saturation levels before purchasing if your intent is to convert to HMO- as the area adheres to a 10% rule.

Target strategies: buy to let, flips, buy refurb refinance, HMO, serviced accommodation

Beersbridge Road/ Bloomfield/Connswater area

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This is very similar in investment numbers and potential with prices, yields and rent, to Woodstock/Cregagh.

Both of these areas are also fantastic for the buy-refurb-refinance strategy, with houses being re-valued at ￡120k after stylish upgrades (at time of writing).

Some houses will also be suitable for HMO’s geared toward the professional worker’s market.

It is not far from the city centre, connected by a frequent bus route, and there has been some great redevelopment lately in terms of greenways.

Point of interest- the famous musician Van Morrison grew up here and you can visit his childhood house on Hyndford Street, as well as recognise street names from his songs!

Target strategies: buy to let, flips, buy refurb refinance, HMO, serviced accommodation

Ravenhill Road area

Ravenhill straddles East and South of the city and has similar characteristics to Woodstock/Cregagh and Beersbridge/Bloomfield/Connswater. Strategically, lower Ravenhill is within walking distance to the city centre and is therefore very favourable for serviced accommodation, in addition to the many rentals. Terraced houses line the streets behind Ravenhill Road, until about halfway up, where housing becomes more salubrious.

The road runs alongside the beautiful and well-kept Ormeau Park, which is a considerably sizeable area, very popular with local residents.

Target strategies: buy to let, flips, buy refurb refinance, serviced accommodation

Belmont Road area

This is a more trendy, popular area for young professionals, both first-time homes and renting, and is good for serviced accommodation due to its slightly more ‘upmarket’ feel and the bustling road of shops, restaurants and cafes?and other amenities including a?cinema. There are, of course, great bus routes to the city centre. There are a number of terrace houses perfect for providing rented accommodation, however, you can expect to pay more than other parts in the East. As in all of these areas, capital growth is strong.

Target strategies: serviced accommodation, flips

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And that wraps it up. I hope you found this short guide useful, especially if you are not familiar with Belfast. This is the tip of the iceberg in terms of investing, as much also goes on across the North, South and West of the city too! I’d love to hear your feedback, so feel free to comment or reach out to me at [email protected].

Happy investing!