UK Property Insights & Investments

A recent report has found that Manchester is on track to become Europe's fourth-tallest city by 2030. This is dependent on a number of projects in the pipeline that would have to go ahead for the threshold to be met.

Currently sitting in seventh place, it highlights Manchester's exponential growth over the last decade. The city's upward growth is a direct result of the city's successful economic foundations below.

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Where does Manchester currently stand?

The report was carried out by Barbour API, one of the UK’s leading providers of construction market intelligence, data and project leads.

Manchester now sits in seventh place; the scale is determined by the number of buildings in a city that are over 50m, 100m and 150m. If the current approved schemes are successfully carried out, it would result in 200 towers over 50m and 10 over 150m.

This would take Manchester into fourth place, overtaking Paris and Frankfurt and only one place behind the capital, London. 

To put the recent growth into perspective, the tallest tower was for a long time Beetham Tower, which was completed in 2006, standing at 168m. It took over 10 years for that to be overtaken in 2018 with Deansgate South Tower (201m).

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Why is the city growing so much?

Manchester's development over the last decade has been formidable; the skyline has transformed itself, and the city's footprint has begun to expand significantly.

The skyline's drastic change is largely due to the relatively low cost of land in Manchester, which enables developers to build on sites cost-effectively, as suggested by Barbour ABI’s Ed Griffiths. 

However, this can't be executed without there being a demand, but for Manchester, there definitely is. There has been a huge influx of young professionals looking to rent in the city, which gives developers confidence in building high-rise residential towers.‍

"The centre of Manchester is relatively small in comparison to London (or indeed Birmingham, which Manchester has more high-rises planned than before 2030), so there is a need to build upwards rather than outwards, attracting high-rise residential developers to the region", says Ed Griffiths.

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What's next to come?

Manchester's tallest project was approved in April of last year, and the scheme will become the tallest tower in the UK outside of London once completed.

The Nobu Tower will stand at 246m high, comprising 76 storeys, including 452 flats and a 160-bed hotel. This will mark a huge chapter in the city's global footprint, as it houses a luxury branded residence.

Other noticeable projects include:

Viadux Phase 2, a £600m project rising over 76 storeys that will contain 915 apartments.

The Lighthouse 642 apartments in a 71-storey tower on Great Jackson Street (scheduled for completion in May 2029) will add to the ever-growing New Jackson District.

Manchester Innovation District Sister Plot C (£162m) – a joint partnership between the University of Manchester and Bruntwood SciTech to create a flagship flexible working space with civic square.

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The impact it's had on Manchester 

The rise of the city, paired with a sustained demand, has resulted in a very healthy rental market, with prices climbing steadily. The average monthly rent in Manchester reached £1,317, a 5.1% increase year-on-year (ONS, 2026).

Manchester has created the perfect investment hub with high rental yields, huge regeneration and massive demand from a young professional population.

If you would like to benefit from this and want to begin or expand your portfolio, contact us today, where one of our dedicated investment advisors will be happy to help.

Millions of people will go to the polls this week to vote in the UK’s local elections. These will determine the makeup of local councils across large parts of the country and are likely to affect day-to-day life in a range of ways.

However, how much they will affect the property market is a different question. While local elections are important, investors should not be overly concerned about the results from the perspective of property investments.

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How important is property in the local elections? 

Property is an important factor in every UK election, big or small. How people live is always a key issue, and local elections are no different. If people are struggling to afford rent, or their local housing stock is of a poor standard, they may vote for a different party or candidate to see if it changes anything.

Likewise, local councils have some powers when it comes to planning permission. If people do not want more housebuilding in their area, they may vote for a candidate or party which pledges to limit new construction.

In summary, property is important for voters and people running as local election candidates. However, that does not necessarily mean that the market itself will be affected by the result.

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Can local councillors and local elections affect the wider property market?

There is a mismatch between the power on offer at local elections and the sheer scale of the property market. While local councillors have some level of influence in their areas, the property market is massively bigger than any individual or council.

Likewise, while local councillors have some influence over planning permission, the central government has much more power. The government’s policies set priorities, and the relevant housing ministers can even call in rejected schemes and overrule local politicians.

While it is in the interest of people standing in local elections to say they can make important changes to housing policies – and therefore positively influence the market for their potential constituents – the reality is they can’t in almost all cases.

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Should investors expect property market changes following the UK’s local elections?

With all that in mind, it is unlikely the local elections will cause any significant changes to the overall UK property market. The only scenario where there might be an unexpected change is if a shocking, unexpected result is delivered.

However, in reality, the market is unlikely to be moved. It is a well-known political fact that sitting governments often lose a lot of seats when local elections are held partway through a parliamentary term. In this case, the government is expected to lose a lot of seats – but the crucial fact is this is anticipated and priced into the market already.

Predictability is an important thing when it comes to the property market. While the local elections may see some differences in people’s daily lives, the property market is not subject to the same small-scale changes. 

This is a good thing. You can invest in UK buy-to-let, knowing it offers long-term stability and will not be affected by every small political change. This is a stable, reliable market that has endured through major global economic and political events. 

The UK local elections are highly unlikely to deliver any shock on a scale that could affect the mortgage markets or property values, as they are simply not that important on the national or global scale.

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Invest in UK buy-to-let in 2026

Want to learn more about what makes 2026 the ideal time to invest in UK buy-to-let property? Take a break from the local election coverage and contact our team today to discover our latest high-yield property investment opportunities.

London has lost its status as the number one property market in the UK. For overseas investors who want the highest returns, that means looking outside the capital city for the best investments.

The North of England has become the country’s premium buy-to-let market and offers everything that overseas investors want – but what has changed?

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The London property market is shrinking

London was the UK’s best buy-to-let market for a long time, but those days appear to be firmly in the past. The latest date from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows the average property value in the capital fell by 3.3% in the year to April 2026. The same data shows that prices have now decreased for seven consecutive months, marking London’s worst period since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rents in the capital are also lagging behind the rest of the country. In the 12 months to March 2026, rental growth in London was 1.7% - approximately half of the national average over the same time period. It’s also significantly lower than the national rate of inflation, so the monthly income of investors in London property is not keeping up with costs.

Future forecasts show London falling even further behind

Unfortunately for London investors, future forecasts show there is more of the same to come. The latest mainstream residential property outlook from Rightmove shows London is at the very bottom of the list for growth between now and 2030.

The average property value in the capital is anticipated to increase by 13.6% in the next four years. That compares to a national average of 22.2%. Every other region is set to perform more strongly, making London the worst choice for overseas investors who want high capital appreciation.

Likewise, rents in London are forecast to perform below the national average. In this case, growth of 11.5% is expected compared to the average growth of 12% everywhere else. Crucially, London’s rental growth is forecast to remain below the rate of inflation in the next four years, baking in long-term losses for investors who buy London property.

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Northern markets are growing strongly

In contrast, property in the North of England is performing strongly. The Office for National Statistics shows the three best performing regions are all in the North – the North West, the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber. In all cases, average property growth in these areas is at least four times higher than the national average. In the next four years, the advantage held by Northern markets will continue to grow.

House price growth in the North West, the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber will not just be substantially higher than the national average in the four years to 2030. It will be more than twice as high as the predicted growth for London property, according to the Savills and Oxford Economics data. In some cities like Manchester and Liverpool, property growth is likely to be even higher than that. 

Likewise, rental growth will be higher in the North than in London, as mentioned previously. Most importantly of all, it is forecast that rental growth will be higher than inflation, so overseas investors know that their monthly income from UK property is profitable and sustainable when they invest outside London. 

Want to invest in the UK buy-to-let from overseas? Contact us today to discover the UK’s best markets and access premium property investment opportunities in the North.

Regeneration is shaping neighbourhoods and cities across the UK at a rapid pace. The scale of these projects is vast, with whole new communities being built and new infrastructure being developed.

These projects tend to present new opportunities for investors and are worth keeping an eye on to stay ahead of the curve. Below, we have highlighted some of the biggest projects in the UK.

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Liverpool Waters is transforming the docklands

This site, in Northern Liverpool, is one of the most ambitious in the UK. The plan is set over 30 years, and spans across 2.3km of waterfront, transforming the former docklands.

This £5bn scheme will deliver a sustainable, world-class, high-quality, mixed-use development in Liverpool. The project will create a seamless extension of both Liverpool's Commercial Business District (LCBD) and its iconic waterfront. 

With five new distinct neighbourhoods taking shape across the Liverpool Waters project, there is plenty for investors to discover to suit their strategy. Some of the neighbourhoods include:

Central Docks - A mixed-use development comprising mixed-tenure housing, everyday amenities and “Central Park”, a five-acre green space that will include the waterfront.

King Edward Triangle - This will change the city's skyline as it will involve a new skyscraper district. With plans for commercial, leisure and residential, this site will act as the link between Princess Dock, the LBCD and the city centre.

Northern Dock - Already home to the new £500m Hill Dickinson Everton stadium, found at Bramley Moore Dock, this site will be a world-class destination for sport, tourism and leisure.

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Victoria North shaping Manchester

Labelled as the biggest renewal project Manchester has ever seen, Victoria North is a huge £4bn urban regeneration project aimed at helping with the shortfall of available housing. Located north-east of Manchester city centre, it will transform what is currently unused land.

Developed and funded together by Far East Consortium (FEC) and Manchester City Council, it aims to deliver 15,000 new homes across 155 hectares and will create seven new neighbourhoods over the next 20 years. 

It will focus on well-connected public spaces, improved infrastructure (such as new transport links), new parks, retail spaces and much more.

This project is already well underway, with Victoria Riverside marking the start of the first phase. Set between the greenery of City River Park and the bustling city centre, it is now home to 634 new apartments and townhouses.

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Stockport town centre

Found south-east of Manchester, this once historic market town is being transformed into one of the most desirable places to live for commuters and young families.

The Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) is at the helm of a £1bn plus scheme to regenerate the town centre. A 15-year masterplan, already underway, will incorporate new residential developments, office spaces, and public realms.

With the aim of delivering 8,000 plus new homes, one of the flagship projects is “Stockport 8”,  a new mixed-use neighbourhood. This is part of one of the largest town centre regeneration projects in the UK, with £350m invested and up to 1,300 new homes.

Nearing completion, Weir Mill is a £60m restoration scheme of a Grade II listed mill complex. Introducing 253 apartments, as well as new independent bars and cafes, this site is a huge step in the town's development and a launchpad to a new way of living.

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What to consider

Regeneration projects of this scale create huge momentum and demand in the property market and offer fantastic opportunities for investors to get in early.

By staying ahead of the curve, you will benefit from high capital appreciation, enhanced rental yields and the chance to buy low before prices rise. 

Do you want to explore our current investment opportunities?

Contact our team of expert property consultants today to find out more.

How investing in property could help you achieve your financial goals

Why invest in UK property? That is a key question for investors around the world. The short answer is that you can get reliable, long-term returns in a hassle-free way. The fundamental facts of the market mean demand is high and supply is low – leading to strong rental returns and capital appreciation.

However, property isn’t just a means to make money. It’s about what that money can do for you, and how it can help you achieve your life goals; that’s important.

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Why do people invest in UK buy-to-let property?

Investors come to the UK market for many reasons. They could want to supplement their daily income, or see it as somewhere to put money for the medium-term.

Many investors see it as something more than simply financial, though. UK property’s reliability and long-term value make it a method of wealth management which can help people live the life they dream of.

That could mean planning for retirement, or building a nest egg for their children. People might see the reliable rental income as a way to pay for a completely different lifestyle, swapping the world of work for adventures around the world.

UK property enables all of that and more when it is viewed through the wealth management lens.

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Using UK property to make your wealth go further

Alternatively, UK property allows for a different approach to wealth management – making your money go as far as possible, and potentially increasing your returns many times over.

Leveraging a property portfolio allows you to use borrowed funds, through a mortgage in most places, to buy a larger number of properties with a smaller amount of money. In this way, property differs from other types of investment where you need all the capital up front.

From the perspective of wealth management, this approach allows you to generate returns on money you can’t access as cash. You will earn monthly rental income in the same way whether you buy in cash or through a mortgage. You can then use that income to fund your lifestyle or reinvest in further properties in the future – the latter option potentially creating a snowball effect which can deliver complete financial independence.

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Diversification and additional security

Another key part of effective wealth management is diversification. You can leverage or use cash to spread your wealth across a range of property types and different locations to create a more secure, resilient portfolio.

That’s another aspect of UK buy to let property, which makes it more than just a simple investment. Planned and utilised correctly, property can be a well-rounded wealth management tool that forms the heart of your long-term life strategy.

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Spreading risk into the future

UK property can also allow you to invest while spreading risk into the future, so you are never too exposed at any one time. Investing in off-plan buy-to-let property allows you to secure an investment today, but pay for it in the future – so you can plan ahead and manage your cash flow effectively.

At the same time, you’re not sacrificing long-term returns. The off-plan property you buy will generate capital appreciation over the construction period. When it completes, it could already be worth a lot more than what you paid for it.

Creating and building that future pipeline is a real advantage when it comes to wealth management strategy.

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How to create a property portfolio to manage your wealth

Everyone’s circumstances and goals are different, so the first step is working out exactly what you want and why you are investing in property. Once you have your goals in place, talk to a professional property consultant to create a bespoke plan to help you achieve those goals.

An expert can recommend the exact properties and get you the right deals to help you manage your overall wealth in a way which meets your ambitions. No matter why you are trying to build wealth, or how long-term you are thinking, property is the key to effective wealth management strategies.

Want to learn more about our property investment consultancy service and how we can help you manage your wealth through UK buy-to-let? Contact our expert team today to get started.

One of the most important reasons to buy UK investment property is its resilience. The market has proven itself through a range of global political and economic crises. It is a reliable, long-term option for investors from around the world.

However, within that, there are ways to ensure your portfolio is as resilient as possible to give even more protection and increase your profits even further. The key is diversification.

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What do we mean by property diversification?

Diversification is about making sure you have a range of properties with different attributes in your portfolio, so it is always thriving in some way, no matter what happens.

For example, you could have:

• A mix of apartments and houses
• Some off-plan investments to complement your completed properties
• A selection of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation units
• Properties in a range of locations
• Some city centre properties and some suburban units

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Why diversify in the market today?

The UK property market is in a good place. Our Q1 2026 review shows:

• Growing property values
• Improved rental market health
• Solid fundamentals

Everything that investors want to see. However, it is also fair to say that global events like war in Iran have created some uncertainty in the property and mortgage markets. For that reason, this is a good time to diversify and create additional security for your portfolio.

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How can I diversify my property portfolio?

The best way to diversify your portfolio is to speak with an expert property consultant who can help you craft a bespoke strategy. Everyone’s goals and needs are different, so it is advisable to get assistance.

They can help you choose from:

• Residential buy to let – The classic UK buy to let property, which forms the backbone of the market and a healthy portfolio.
• City centre apartments for sale – One of the most reliable property types available in the UK. Rapid population growth, limited supply and high demand for luxury housing make this a great option for diversification and resilience.
• Off-plan buy to let property for sale – Creating a future pipeline of new properties for your portfolio is a good way of making it more resilient. Off-plan investment also allows you to secure property at today’s prices, then pay in the future when rates are forecast to be lower again.
• Student accommodation investment – Purpose-Built Student Accommodation is perfect for adding reliable, predictable and long-term rental income.
• Up and coming locations – A good way to add more future potential into the mix to get ahead of the market.

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Want to learn more about diversifying your property investments?

Contact our team today to discover the latest premium UK property investment opportunities and start building a strong, diversified property portfolio.