Best High-Yield New Builds in Richmond (2026)
Richmond upon Thames continues to be a premium London borough for quality of life — but it’s also carving a strong spot on the investor map. In 2026, a combination of limited housing supply, strong rental demand and sustained desirability keeps rental yields higher than many expect for a borough traditionally associated with owner-occupiers.
This guide highlights the top new build developments in Richmond where buy-to-let investors can reasonably expect solid rental income, quicker let-ups and long-term capital resilience — without chasing headline-only addresses.
Why Richmond Works for High-Yield Investment
Richmond’s rental market is shaped by multiple enduring strengths:
Diverse Tenant Demand
Richmond attracts professionals, families, international executives and downsizers alike — meaning a broad base of potential tenants, not just a single market segment.
Limited New Supply
Richmond’s careful planning and low-rise character mean fewer new homes overall. As a result, quality new builds command strong attention from tenants because they are comparatively rare.
Lifestyle Pull
Easy access to the river, vast green spaces like Richmond Park, excellent schools, cafés, shops and well-regarded commuter links create real daily-life value. Tenants pay for lifestyle, not just a postcode.
These fundamentals underpin rental demand and contribute to higher effective yields relative to average London suburban stock.
1. Central New Builds with Broad Tenant Appeal
At the heart of Richmond, several new build developments stand out as high-yield prospects:
Mid-size apartments with modern interiors, open-plan living and well-designed layouts
Two- and three-bedroom units that appeal to professional sharers and small families alike
Proximity to transport and amenities, reducing void periods and increasing tenant interest
These developments don’t always carry the premium of sweeping views or headline addresses, but they do tick the boxes that matter most to tenants: space, light, finish quality and convenience. This often translates into higher occupancy and stable rental levels, which are key drivers of yield.
2. Riverside New Builds – Premium Rents, Strong Demand
Riverside developments in Richmond — even those that are not headline podium buildings — tend to command premium rent relative to inland stock. This is because:
Water views and outdoor space attract longer tenancy agreements
Lifestyle access to riverside paths makes these homes appealing to professionals and downsizers
Apartments with terrraces or balconies can achieve higher rent per square foot
Investors looking for high yield should focus especially on two- and three-bedroom riverside units: they combine tenant preference for space plus outdoor access, supporting strong rental interest.
3. Green-Edge New Builds Near Parks and Commons
Homes close to green spaces such as Ham Common or the quieter edges of Richmond Park are increasingly attractive to tenants who prioritise daily calm, open space and outdoor living.
These locations benefit from:
Steadier family demand, as larger units near parks are harder for families to ignore
Longevity of appeal, as green-edge living is less sensitive to short-term market noise
Balanced rent levels, blending lifestyle benefits with everyday practicality
For investors targeting higher yield through longer tenancies and strong tenant loyalty, these green-edge builds often outperform inner-borough stock with less appealing location characteristics.
4. Boutique New Builds – A Yield Sweet Spot
Boutique developments — smaller in scale, higher in finish, and carefully integrated into residential streets — present an interesting niche for investors.
Why boutique builds can deliver good yields:
Often priced more attractively per square foot than large flagship projects
Attract tenants who are willing to pay slightly more for quality finishes and walkability
Tend to have better occupancy rates because they feel more like traditional homes than generic blocks
These boutique homes can especially shine if they are close to local amenities, transport links and green space — a combination that tenants consistently prioritise.
Yield Drivers Every Investor Should Know
When assessing new builds in Richmond for high yield, these factors consistently correlate with stronger returns:
Unit Mix
Two- and three-bedroom flats usually deliver better yields than one-bed units because they attract a wider tenant base and command higher total rental income.
Outdoor Space
Balconies, terraces and private outdoor space aren’t just lifestyle niceties — they drive higher achievable rent in London markets.
Connectivity
Proximity to frequent rail links, bus routes and easy access to town centres shortens vacancy periods and improves rental desirability.
Specifications
Good specification — modern kitchens, integrated appliances, efficient heating and good insulation — enhances tenant satisfaction and reduces potential maintenance downtime.
Practical Investment Perspective
Richmond’s rental market is not about extreme yield at any cost — it’s about resilient, consistent performance. When you place capital into a well-located new build here, you’re investing in:
A borough with enduring rental demand
A tenant base willing to pay for quality of life
A supply side constrained by planning and heritage
That’s the combination that produces higher net yields over time, even if headline numbers don’t always jump off the page initially.
Final Thought
In 2026, the best high-yield new builds in Richmond aren’t always the flashiest skyscraper-style developments or the most photographed addresses. They are often:
Well-situated apartments close to transport and amenities
Riverside or green-edge homes that tenants want to live in
Boutique developments that feel like homes rather than blocks
For investors, this means thinking beyond what’s “premium priced” and focusing on what tenants actually value — because tenant demand is the real engine of yield.