Property investment in Manchester

Manchester property investment

Manchester is one of the best investment hotspots in the UK property market. Known as the ‘Capital of the North’, Manchester has seen mass regeneration, global investment and high-profile projects transform the city in recent years. The city is regularly named amongst the top rental yield locations in the UK, with a yield average of around 5.5% – much higher than the London average of 3.5%. 

Manchester skyline

Download our Manchester investor guide

Thinking about investing in Manchester property? Discover why Manchester is the investment hotspot you need to be a part of in our property investment guide.





By submitting your details via this online form you agree to be contacted via email / phone / SMS / WhatsApp by Select Property in relation to its property investment brands. We do not share your personal details with third parties. View our full privacy policy for more information.

Manchester Property Investment Guide

Our property investments

One Port Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester. From £430,000

Introducing a masterpiece in modern living to Manchester’s creative district, the iconic Northern Quarter. A vibrant neighbourhood of cultural, creative and digital innovation, the Northern Quarter calls for a residential offering to keep pace with the demands of its inhabitants.

 

0 %

Property price growth forecast by 2027 (the UK’s highest) – JLL Q1 Report

0 %

Average rents are up by 20.4% year-on-year – Urbanbubble Q4 Report

0 %

Properties are up by an average of 21.8% since the end of 2019 (the UK’s highest) – JLL Q1 Report

0 m

Population of Greater Manchester, rising by twice the national average – Data Commons

Why invest in Manchester property?

Manchester’s property market is one of the most in-demand and under-supplied markets in the UK. Attracting global investment for its growing population, strong long-term capital growth and high rental yields, Manchester buy-to-let property is one of the greatest success stories in recent UK property investment history.

With one of the fastest growing city-centre economies in Europe and a rapidly expanding population of young professionals, the demand for high-quality rental properties in Manchester city centre is at a record high.

Indeed, the Manchester population continues to boom, partly as renters abandon London in favour of a lower cost of living and excellent quality of life. According to the Office for National Statistics, the population increased by over 48,000 from 2011 to 2021, demonstrating a growing appetite for living in the “capital of the north”.

As one of the most sought-after markets in the UK, there are countless reasons to add Manchester property to your portfolio.

Manchester’s Excellent Connectivity Strengthens Its Appeal for Professionals and Businesses

Manchester is well-connected to major UK cities through an extensive rail network, this is the ideal base for professionals and companies alike. Travel time to London is around 2 hours, with Birmingham, Liverpool and Leeds tall under 1.5 hours away. Manchester Airport, the third busiest in the UK, offers comprehensive international and domestic flights, with a quick 20-minute train journey to the city centre. Additionally, Manchester boasts a comprehensive motorway network and a robust local public transport system, including the extensive Metrolink tram network. Future developments like the Northern Hub rail project and smart motorways promise further improvements, ensuring efficient connectivity and solidifying Manchester’s status as a key economic hub and attractive investment destination.
Manchester transport
Manchester’s Regeneration: From Creative Hub to Residential Skyscraper Revolution

Few major cities have seen mass regeneration like Manchester. Schemes include the £1.5bn Spinningfields project (known as the ‘Canary Wharf of the North’); MediaCityUK – the biggest television studios in Europe; and the iconic Northern Quarter – Manchester’s creative capital dubbed by Time Out as one of the ‘world’s coolest neighbourhoods 2022’.

Key infrastructure projects such as the £1bn redevelopment of Manchester Airport  played a key role and were cited as key drivers for house price growth by JLL. 

As these projects attract renters to live and work in Manchester, residential master plans are following suit. Areas include the Great Jackson Street Framework, largely responsible for redefining the city’s skyline with glistening residential skyscrapers including Three60, The Blade, Elizabeth Tower and Victoria Residence.

Manchester City
Manchester’s Growing Student Population Fuels Demand for Quality Rental Properties

Manchester has always been known as a great city for students, and this reputation has only increased in recent years. The 51% student retention rate is second only to London in the UK, and demonstrates Manchester’s ever-increasing potential for growth.

As more and more students choose to stay in Manchester after graduating, there’s a high demand for quality accommodation. The large international student cohort across institutions including the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University means there’s also excellent opportunities for rental properties in the city.

Students life of Manchester
Manchester’s Cultural and Sports Investments Create a Vibrant, Thriving City

In recent years Manchester has seen significant investment in its cultural infrastructure, with notable developments including the £15 million renovation of the Manchester Museum and the opening of Factory International, a new flexible cultural space. Additionally, the Co-op Live, newly opened in 2024, is the UK’s largest indoor arena with a capacity of over 23,000 people.

Manchester is world-renowned for its music and arts scene, offering a vibrant place to live with no shortage of things to do. The city is also home to several world-famous football clubs including Manchester United and Manchester City, and a range of other sports and leisure facilities besides.

Manchester culture
Manchester’s Rising Population Drives Rental and Property Price Growth Forecasts

A growing population and the appearance of multiple leading companies in the city – including 80/100 of the Top 100 FTSE companies – means there is increasing demand for rental property in Manchester. In fact, JLL forecasts Manchester to see the strongest rental price growth over the next five years as increasing numbers of young professionals are attracted to live and work in the northern city.

Also outperforming the UK’s leading cities for property price growth, Manchester is forecast by JLL to see 19.3% house price growth by 2027.

Best areas to invest in Manchester

The Manchester economy is the largest in the UK outside London, so the city is a sought-after location for professionals and students alike and offers plenty of opportunities for investors. The northern city also has one of the most in-demand – and undersupplied – property markets in the UK. Having sold over £800 million worth of Manchester property alone, Select Property are experts in developing, selling and managing the best property investments in the best locations in the city.

Credible developer and investment specialist with over 20 years of experience

End-to-end investment service from consultation through to exit strategy

Market-leading yields in the UK’s prime investment cities

Global offices with multilingual teams so we can understand your bespoke needs

Manchester property investment FAQs

Why should I invest in property in Manchester?

Manchester is one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK, known for its robust economy, vibrant cultural scene, and strong student population. The city offers a diverse range of investment opportunities, with strong rental yields and potential for capital growth. Manchester’s ongoing infrastructure developments, regeneration projects and the city’s status as a hub for tech and creative industries further enhance its appeal to investors.

Our bespoke and personalised approach to property development and investment offers a truly end-to-end experience for investors in Manchester. As well as hand picking our locations for developments based on demand and yield potential, we’re proud to have an office in Manchester, keeping our finger on the pulse of this great city.

Once your property investment is complete, our in-house team can manage residential tenants and provide a point of contact at every turn.

The Northern Quarter, home to One Port Street, is renowned for its unique character, featuring an eclectic mix of independent shops, cafes, bars, and art galleries. Its central location makes it highly desirable for young professionals and students, ensuring strong rental demand. The area’s ongoing regeneration projects and historical charm contribute to its potential for capital appreciation.
Foreign investors can buy property in the UK without any restrictions, and the Select Property team offer tailored support and guidance at every step of the way. Investing with us means you’ll have access to our expert team to help you navigate the UK property market effectively.
Foreign investors are subject to UK property taxes, including Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on purchase, which varies based on the property price and buyer status. Additionally, non-resident investors may be liable for Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on the sale of the property and Income Tax on rental income. Seeking advice from a tax professional can help optimise your tax strategy and ensure compliance with UK tax laws.
Manchester offers attractive rental yields, often ranging between 5-7%, depending on the property type and location. The city also has a strong track record of capital growth, driven by economic development and population growth. Investing in areas like the Northern Quarter can provide solid returns due to high demand and limited supply. At Select Property we’re proud of our track record of helping our clients invest in high-yield properties, and offer a range of opportunities in Manchester and beyond.

Thinking about investing in Manchester property?

Fill out the enquiry form below and one of our property consultant
will be in touch.

 
Manchester investment

Newsletter Sign Up

Be the first to hear about new investment opportunities and property insights.

By submitting your details via this online form you agree to be contacted via email. We do not share your personal details with third parties. To view our full Privacy Policy click here.