If you are weighing up your next property investment, St Albans should be on your radar. The cathedral city in Hertfordshire has long been one of the most desirable commuter locations for those working in London. With its outstanding schools, historic charm, strong local economy and excellent connectivity, it continues to attract high-earning professionals and families.

The key question for investors is why invest in St Albans in 2025?. While prices are high compared with many other commuter towns, demand remains resilient and forecasts suggest long-term growth potential. In this guide, we explore the housing market, rental demand, commuter links, local amenities and risks to give you a clear view of why invest in St Albans today.

Why Invest in St Albans in 2025?

For property investors weighing up the commuter belt, one question keeps arising: why invest in St Albans? The city offers a unique mix of high rental demand, excellent transport links to London, and strong long-term growth. Crucially, apartments rather than houses stand out as the most effective route to balancing yields with capital appreciation.

Studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments in St Albans are well suited to both Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreements and Short-Term Lets (STL). This flexibility gives investors options to tailor their strategy to changing market conditions.

St Albans Rental Market Snapshot

  • Average property price (all types): £629,000 (ONS)
  • Average flat price: £328,000 (ONS)
  • Average private rent (all): £1,878/month, up 6.7% year-on-year (ONS)
  • Average flat rent: £1,446/month (ONS)

These figures reinforce why invest in St Albans is such a relevant question: despite high purchase prices, rental demand is rising steadily.

Rental Demand by Apartment Size

Apartment TypeAverage Rent per MonthNotes
Studio~£950–£1,100Limited supply, strong demand for affordability
1-Bed Flat~£1,233 (ONS)Popular with young professionals and commuters
2-Bed Flat~£1,585 (ONS)Appeals to sharers, couples and small families

These rental figures help clarify why invest in St Albans apartments makes sense. They show affordability relative to houses and consistent rental demand.

AST vs STL Yields in St Albans

Apartment TypeAvg PriceAST RentGross Yield ASTSTL Rent EstimateGross Yield STL
Studio£170,000£11,400–£13,200/year6.7–7.8%£16,200/year9.5–10.5%
1-Bed£300,000£15,000–£16,200/year5.0–5.4%£19,200/year6.3–6.8%
2-Bed£375,000£18,600–£19,800/year5.0–5.3%£24,000/year6.3–6.5%

This comparison highlights why invest in St Albans apartments is compelling. Investors can secure stable yields via AST or increase income through well-managed STL.

Why Apartments Outperform Houses in St Albans

  • Lower entry price than detached and semi-detached properties.
  • Wider tenant base including young professionals and small households.
  • Flexibility to switch between AST and STL strategies.
  • Liquidity when reselling compared with larger, more expensive homes.
  • Manageability with lower maintenance costs and no gardens.

These points reinforce the strategic case for apartments and underline why invest in St Albans flats rather than houses.

Growth Outlook

Private rents in St Albans are rising faster than the national average. Analysts expect annual rental growth of 4–6% and long-term capital growth for apartments of 4–7% per year. This consistent upward trend underscores why invest in St Albans in 2025 is a timely decision.

Conclusion: Why Invest in St Albans Apartments?

Apartments in St Albans offer investors an attractive balance: lower purchase prices than houses, rising rents, and flexibility between AST and STL. Studios, one-beds and two-beds all provide opportunities, depending on the investor’s goals.

For investors seeking strong commuter demand, reliable yields and long-term growth, the answer to why invest in St Albans is clear: apartments deliver the best combination of affordability, demand and returns.

Ready to explore opportunities in St Albans? Contact us today to discuss available studio, one-bed and two-bed apartments and stay up to date with our latest news.