A NATIONAL buy-to-let estate agent is pointing southern investors in the direction of Horsforth and Ilkley as ideal areas to maximise their return.

Assetz for Investors is advising investors to look north for lower acquisition prices, better potential for capital growth and higher yields can all be found.

The company has highlighted the Leeds city region as one of the hotspots to buy - and highlighted Horsforth and Ilkley, as well as Calverley as places to invest in property.

Chief executive officer, Stuart Law, said: “The inevitable increases in property prices in the Capital following the foolish 40 per cent regional Help-to-Buy policy means many home owners will be pushed into negative equity when the unavoidable price reversal takes hold. Buy-to-Let investors have an easier choice of where to invest and should look further afield."

He added: "For investors seeking income rather than speculators hoping for house price growth perhaps now is the time to heed the Governments messages about Buy-to-Let and investing in London generally and look to the North.

“For people based in the South investing on your door-step should not be the first option. As prospective home owners are increasingly priced out of the Capital more people based in the South will be heading from here to build their livelihoods in the emerging Northern Powerhouse. The balance of power is now starting to lean towards the North."

The best yields can be found in Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds, says Assetz for Investors.