Bristol Property Market and Real Estate Guide

(Bristol, England, UK)

Bristol is a lively and picturesque city in south-west England. Due to its good schools, universities, shopping and nightlife, Bristol attracts large numbers of students and young families, all of which are looking to either rent or buy in the area.

Buying here is a good investment opportunity, as rental prices are higher than the national average by up to £200 a month for a typical two-bedroom house. Value generally decreases as the property gets bigger, with studio flats being the most lucrative investment, at around half the rental price of a four-bedroom dwelling.

Students attending the University of Bristol will be looking to rent in the city centre, around Kingsdown, Tindal's Park and St. Augustine's. Properties on the city's outskirts, such as Frenchay, Stapleton, Stoke Gifford and Filton, are popular with those attending the University of West England. Families tend to stick to the suburbs, like Clifton, where most of the good schools are.

Renting Serviced Apartments

There is a range of serviced apartments for rent in Bristol, from modern developments to city apartments and old Victorian townhouses. These properties are generally expensive compared to regular apartments and you normally have to sign a contract for at least six months.

The harbour area is very popular with young professionals as it is shut to traffic and boasts a good mix of shops, lively bars and restaurants. Apartments here cover everything from one-bed studios to extensive penthouses, all with their own fully-functioning kitchens and bathrooms. Many also have private balconies.

Buying Apartments and Houses

There are always people wanting to rent in Bristol, and although buying prices are initially quite high, people normally see a return on their money fairly quickly. Studio flats and small apartments are a good bet, but large houses in student areas can also prove quite lucrative as most are rented out on a room-by-room basis, not just during term time, but for the whole year.

Foreigners can purchase property in Bristol will few hassles, but non-EU citizens may find it difficult to secure a loan. Buyers who are planning to eventually rent will need to pay for an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and register with the local authority. A lawyer will also need to be hired for the initial purchasing stage, to transfer deeds and taxes. Prices increase about three-fold from a one-bedroom flat to a four-bedroom house.

Real Estate Agents

There are numerous real estate agents in Bristol, many of which specialise in certain areas, such as student or professional accommodation. Pick one which best suits your purposes and don't be won over by a large portfolio alone. The best agents have websites giving extensive advice to both buyers and letters, and these are often the more reliable of the bunch.

Check out the following Bristol real estate agents:

Andrews
Address: 131 St. George's Road, Hotwells, Bristol, BS1 5UW, England, UK
Tel: +44 0117 927 3338
Website: www.andrewsonline.co.uk
Andrews has built up a good reputation and offers rental and letting properties across the south-west.

Besley Hill
Address: 165 East Street, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 4EJ, England, UK
Tel: +44 0117 953 5375
Email: bedminster@besleyhill.co.uk
Website: www.besleyhill.co.uk
Besley Hill has a good range of properties plus a quick-search tool on its website.

Greenwoods
Address: 40 Gilda Parade, Whitchurch, Bristol, BS14 9HY, England, UK
Tel: +44 01275 837 282
Email: whitchurch@greenwoodsproperty.co.uk
Website: www.greenwoodsproperty.co.uk
Greenwoods is an independent agent with properties of all kinds, all over the Bristol area.