As a historic market town in West Yorkshire with excellent transport links and a growing appeal to renters, Pontefract is quickly earning its place on the map for property investors. For those seeking strong rental yields, stable demand, and affordable property prices, Pontefract offers a compelling proposition.
Whether you’re just starting your buy-to-let journey or looking to expand your portfolio, knowing where to invest is key. In this guide, we explore the best areas to consider, recent market data, and how to maximise your return with the help of our Whitegates Pontefract lettings experts.
Why invest in Pontefract?
Over the past few years, Pontefract has attracted attention for all the right reasons. With quick access to Leeds, Wakefield and Doncaster, it’s become a desirable hub for tenants who want better value without compromising on convenience.
According to the latest figures from Rightmove, average house prices in Pontefract sit around £185,000 — well below the national average. Meanwhile, Zoopla data shows average monthly rents in the area hovering around £700–£800 for a two-bedroom home, giving landlords yields between 4.5% and 6%, depending on location and property type.
Rental demand remains high due to:
- Excellent transport links via the M62, A1(M) and regular rail services
- Access to good schools, shops and healthcare
- Lower cost of living compared to nearby cities
- New build developments and regeneration in and around town
It’s a market with room to grow, especially for those with a long-term view. So where are the top areas to focus on?
Central Pontefract: convenience and consistent demand
At the heart of the town, Central Pontefract is packed with character, amenities, and tenant appeal. The area offers a mix of older terraced homes and modern flats, many within walking distance to the train station, supermarkets, schools and leisure centres.
Tenants here are often young professionals, NHS workers and couples who value proximity and lifestyle. While property prices are slightly higher in the centre than in outlying areas, so are the rents – helping maintain healthy yields.
Investors can often find period properties with renovation potential, giving the opportunity to add capital value and command premium rents.
Monkhill: popular with commuters and first-time renters
Sitting just east of the town centre, Monkhill is well connected by its own train station and close to Pontefract Monkhill station, offering direct links to Leeds and Wakefield.
It’s a favourite with single renters and young couples who commute into nearby towns but want more space for their money. Housing stock includes Victorian terraces and newer builds, often available at entry-level prices for landlords.
Buy-to-let investors in Monkhill benefit from:
- Competitive house prices (average: £160,000)
- Steady rental demand year-round
- Low void periods for standard two-bed rentals
It’s a low-risk area for long-term lets, ideal for first-time landlords looking to get started.
Carleton: family appeal and longer tenancies
A popular suburb to the south-west of the centre, Carleton combines community feel with accessibility. Known for its good schools and green spaces, the area attracts families looking for stability, gardens and off-street parking.
The tenant base here is often made up of professionals with children, which means longer-than-average tenancies and lower turnover.
Key benefits of investing in Carleton:
- Larger properties available (semi-detached and detached homes)
- Average rents for 3-bed homes: £950–£1,100 per month
- Reliable tenant profiles and scope for rental increases
If you’re looking to invest in a property that tenants will treat as a long-term home, Carleton is one to watch.
South Elmsall and South Kirkby: strong yields on the fringes
Just outside Pontefract, South Elmsall and South Kirkby offer some of the best yields in the region due to low entry prices and growing rental demand.
With more people priced out of central Pontefract, tenants are looking further afield. These areas are becoming popular with key workers, contractors and families on tighter budgets.
What makes these fringe areas stand out:
- Properties often priced below £140,000
- Gross yields of 6%+ achievable on two-bedroom terraces
- Good access to transport, especially by rail (South Elmsall station)
While the tenant base is more varied, these areas suit landlords prepared to be more hands-on or those using a trusted lettings management service.
What to look for in a buy-to-let property in Pontefract
Success in the rental market isn’t just about where you buy — it’s also about what you buy. When viewing potential investments, consider:
- Condition: properties in need of light refurbishment offer value-add potential
- Layout: open-plan living spaces and private gardens tend to rent faster
- EPC rating: with rising energy costs, efficient homes attract better tenants
- Connectivity: proximity to stations and bus routes makes a big difference
- Tenant demand: think about who would live there and what they’d pay
It’s also worth researching local schools, supermarkets, parking availability and broadband coverage — all of which influence letting speed.
Local insight from Whitegates Pontefract
With decades of combined experience across our local team, we’ve helped hundreds of landlords start and scale their portfolios in Pontefract. Whether it’s advice on a potential investment or help managing tenants, we understand the local rental landscape inside out.
Our Associate Director, Liam Reilly at Whitegates Pontefract says:
“We’re seeing more and more investors exploring the outskirts of town as rental demand spreads. Places like Monkhill and South Elmsall are doing really well. But the key is matching the right property to the right tenant type. That’s where local knowledge really counts.”
Getting started: expert help from Whitegates Pontefract
If you’re considering buying a rental property or already own one in Pontefract, we can help you:
- Book a free lettings valuation to find out your rental potential.
- Browse available investment properties with expert insight into potential yields
- Get full management support to handle tenant queries, rent collection and maintenance
- Stay compliant with the latest landlord regulations and energy requirements
Our investor-friendly approach means we’ll help you identify the best opportunities based on your goals and budget.
Final thoughts
Pontefract is a rental market on the rise – offering excellent value, high demand and strong returns for the right property in the right area. Whether you’re focused on easy-to-manage flats in Monkhill, family homes in Carleton or high-yield terraces in South Elmsall, there’s something here for every landlord.
And with our local expertise at Whitegates Pontefract, you don’t have to go it alone.
Ready to start or scale your property portfolio? Speak to our lettings team today and let’s find the right opportunity for you.
