The property group found that the nation boasted yields of 6.7% during April, just ahead of the Midlands and North regions which posted average returns of 6.5%.

Inner London recorded the lowest yields at 4.6% but the centre of the capital managed an average rental income of £2,371 during the month, the highest in the country.

Unsurprisingly, Outer London and the South East were the next most expensive areas with average rents of £1,106 and £1,063 respectively.

By contrast, rents were lowest in Scotland with an average income of £604 per month in the country. Scottish rental properties also suffered the highest level of arrears at 9.5%, well ahead of the 6.4% national average.

The research, which analyses 50,000 rental properties in England, Scotland and Wales, said that the average rents in the three nations have now risen for six successive months.

Nick Dunning, group commercial director at Countrywide, said: “With renting for longer now the norm for many people as they save for a deposit to buy their first home, we are seeing more young families looking to rent cheaper accommodation, hence the increase in demand for smaller rental properties.

“Based on current figures, buy-to-let property investments remain a strong performer against savings and other vehicles of investment with the highest yields being achieved in Wales, the Midlands and the North.

“These trends are expected to continue which encouraging for both current and potential investors.”