A Renters Guide to Bristol: A Region by Region Guide
Bristol is England’s sixth largest city and is nestled neatly into the south west’s hilly landscape. Comprised of several distinct areas which together make up the city’s vibrant and unique atmosphere, Bristol has all the benefits of a major city with the charm and personality of a tight-knit small town.
In 2014, the Sunday Times named Bristol as Britain’s best city to live in, specifically highlighting its nightlife, culture and proximity to the rolling hills of the English countryside. Bristol’s residents value independent cafés, restaurants and shops, which means that its streets are overflowing with an individuality that really sets this city apart from many others.
Property Value Data for Bristol in Comparison to the UK
As of March 2019, statistics provided by Zoopla break down the average values for different types of property in the UK:
- Detached – £445,373
- Semi-detached – £275,252
- Terraced – £252,548
- Flats – £297,884
By comparison, the average current values for property in Bristol are:
- Detached – £495,489
- Semi-detached – £330,542
- Terraced – £290,152
- Flats – £248,644
Property in the UK is on average currently selling for between £351 and £762 per sq ft. Bristol’s price per sq ft is sitting at the lower end of that scale, with the market currently commanding between £321 and £384 per sq ft.
To put those figures into some perspective, the current average asking price of property in Bristol is £313,887, which is around £80,000 less than the current UK average of £395,917.
Value trends across the UK have increased slightly since 2015, however, Bristol has proven to be a good location in which to invest in property as average home values have seen a more significant increase. Average home values in Bristol are currently exceeding £330,000, whereas the picture across the UK puts average home values at just over £310,000.
Current Asking Rents in Bristol in Comparison with the UK
The following is a picture of current average rental rates across the UK:
- 1 bed house – £574 pcm
- 2 bed house – £832 pcm
- 3 bed house – £1,221 pcm
- 4 bed house – £1,967 pcm
- 5 bed house – £2,925 pcm
- 1 bed flat – £1,044 pcm
- 2 bed flat – £1,694 pcm
- 3 bed flat – £3,559 pcm
- 4 bed flat – £4,987 pcm
- 5 bed flat – £7,321 pcm
Current rents in Bristol illustrate that the city’s available rental properties are more affordable than the UK average, which are as follows:
- 1 bed house – £560 pcm
- 2 bed house – £923 pcm
- 3 bed house – £1,178 pcm
- 4 bed house – £1,576 pcm
- 5 bed house – £2,046 pcm
- 1 bed flat – £706 pcm
- 2 bed flat – £1,052 pcm
- 3 bed flat – £1,366 pcm
- 4 bed flat – £1,626 pcm
- 5 bed flat – £1,724 pcm
The UK average current rent is £1,733 pcm whilst in Bristol, it is significantly lower at £1,048 pcm. Although Rightmove expects rents outside of London to increase by 3% in 2019, average rents in the South West saw a slight decrease of 0.4% between Q3 and Q4 of 2018.
Property in Bristol
Property has a tendency to move quickly in Bristol as the arts scene, historic attractions and thriving business hubs are attracting a wide variety of people to the city, many of them have been priced out of the London property market. Additionally, Bristol has recently been named as the UK’s happiest city surpassing Leeds, Liverpool and Birmingham to secure the top spot.
Different areas will naturally appeal to different people so here are a few of Bristol’s top up-and-coming wards and suburbs.
Easton
The 40-square mile city has a varied demographic and Easton, a popular ward in Bristol’s inner city is a superb example of this mixed population. Comprised of families who have lived in the area for generations, new-to-the-area families, working professionals and recent graduates looking for low rent living, Easton is in the beating heart of the city yet residential streets still enjoy the same peace and serenity that can be found in small towns across the country.
With easy access to Bristol’s variety of local markets and vast Cabot Circus Shopping Complex, Easton will appeal to those looking for the best parts of city life.
Clifton
Famous for the majestic Clifton Suspension Bridge, this suburb is home to some of the UK’s most beautiful properties, with impressive Regency, Edwardian and Georgian properties that have been expertly converted into light-filled townhouses. Clifton is an in-demand area and property here can command high prices. A survey by Ideal Flatmate found that Clifton is currently the top place to live in Bristol.
The Bristol Downs is situated just north of this suburb and its 400 acres are ideal for peaceful walks, picnics and more. Clifton has also been named as the most fashionable area of Bristol and as the area that is most popular with young people. With so much to do and see, it’s no surprise Clifton is earning so much recognition.
Redland and Stoke Bishop
Slightly more affordable property than Clifton but no less grand or imposing in terms of architecture, Redland has the same ease of access to many of the same amenities and attractions. However, prices here still tend to be at the upper end of the scale, so if affordability is important to you Stoke Bishop might be an ideal place to set up home.
Situated right beside Clifton, Stoke Bishop also boasts its fair share of beautiful properties, mostly in the form of sizeable interwar houses. The area also enjoys access to a variety of great shopping, open spaces and other attractions.
Stokes Croft
This bohemian and famously artistic area of Bristol is known for its vibrancy and nightlife, but step off the main road and you’ll find beautiful Georgian townhouses and waterfront and harbourside warehouses that have been developed into contemporary apartments that are popular among young professionals. There is always something happening in this area of the city from quirky cafés and bars to art galleries, independent cinemas and record shops.
Horfield
Situated a couple of miles outside the city centre, Horfield is popular among young professionals and families as it is well connected to Gloucester Road’s array of independent shops, as well as the M4/M5 motorways. It also has good transport links to the rest of the city.
The potential for future developments across the city is also outstanding. There are plans in place for several hundred buy-to-rent homes and co-working spaces in the city centre, in addition to a variety of projects on the outskirts of Bristol that will create new and sustainable residential quarters.