BRIT Awards 2026 Fuels Manchester Property Investment

Manchester is making history. For the first time ever, the BRIT Awards, Britain’s biggest celebration of music, will take place outside of London. In 2025, the spotlight turns to Manchester, as the event arrives at Co-op Live, the brand-new £365 million arena set to be the largest indoor venue in the UK.
This move isn’t just about music. It represents a cultural and economic shift that highlights Manchester’s growing importance as a national powerhouse. From increased tourism and global media coverage to a rise in rental demand and investment interest, the BRITs coming to Manchester will trigger real benefits across the city.
In this blog, we’ll explore what the event means for the local economy, property market, and how investors can make the most of this momentum.
 

Key Takeaways

• The BRIT Awards are coming to Manchester in 2026, marking a major shift in UK cultural events and boosting tourism.
• Co-op Live will become the UK’s largest indoor arena, drawing attention, talent, and investment to the region.
• Manchester’s rental yields and capital growth continue to outperform, making it one of the most promising cities for property investors.
• Rothmore Property has over 60 UK-wide developments, with expert support and end-to-end services for investors looking to enter or expand in the Manchester market.

Why Manchester?

Manchester’s reputation as a music powerhouse is well established. It’s the home of legendary acts like Oasis, The Stone Roses, and Joy Division. So, it feels fitting that it’s now hosting the BRIT Awards in a venue just as iconic.

Co-op Live, situated near the Etihad Stadium, is backed by Oak View Group and singer Harry Styles. Once complete, the arena will hold 23,500 people, making it the UK’s largest indoor venue. It is projected to host over 120 events per year and deliver an estimated £1.5 billion economic boost over 20 years, while supporting 3,350 construction jobs and over 1,000 full-time roles once operational [Source: Co-op Live].

More than just a concert space, Co-op Live is a key part of Manchester’s wider regeneration and growth strategy. As a result, events like the BRIT Awards aren’t just one-off spectacles, they’re part of a long-term vision to position Manchester as Europe’s cultural and economic capital outside of London.

An Immediate Boost to Tourism and Hospitality

With over 20,000 attendees expected for the BRIT Awards and international media coverage guaranteed, Manchester will see a sharp rise in visitor numbers. Hotels, bars, restaurants, and transport will benefit instantly, with some local hospitality businesses forecasting record takings for Q1 2026.

In 2023 alone, Manchester welcomed over 1.4 million international visitors, and major events like these only push that number higher. This offers landlords and short-let investors a golden window to capitalise on increased demand, especially around the arena and city centre.

Areas such as Ancoats, Northern Quarter, and New Islington are particularly well-positioned, offering easy access to Co-op Live while also being attractive neighbourhoods in their own right.
 

Rising Interest in Manchester’s Rental Market

Manchester’s rental market is already competitive, with demand far outweighing supply. The influx of tourists, performers, staff, and media professionals attending the BRITs will only exacerbate this. Many will require short-term or flexible accommodation close to the city centre, opening up opportunities for landlords and serviced apartment operators.

Recent data shows that Manchester’s average rental yield is 8.5%, with some developments achieving yields closer to 10%, particularly in up-and-coming areas undergoing regeneration. For investors, this highlights why Manchester is seen as a top location for high-yield buy-to-let.

Event-Led Regeneration Is Driving Investment

Large-scale events, especially ones that garner international attention, act as a catalyst for investment and development. We’ve seen it before with the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the Olympics in East London. Manchester is already mid-way through a range of strategic developments, including:

• Victoria North: The largest urban regeneration project in the UK, set to deliver over 15,000 homes.
   
• Castlefield and St. John’s Quarter: Cultural districts with huge potential for long-term capital growth.
   
• Transport Links: Expansion of Metrolink, walking infrastructure, and bus corridors improving city connectivity.

These changes make Manchester more accessible, more liveable, and more attractive,  particularly for remote workers, students, and young professionals.

Long-Term Capital Growth Is Strong

The Co-op Live arena is not a standalone project. It forms part of the city’s continued transformation into a global destination for both culture and commerce. Property prices have reflected this confidence, rising by 7.2% in 2023 across Greater Manchester.

Compared to London, where entry prices can be prohibitive, Manchester offers more affordable routes into the market with similar or better growth potential. For example, two-bedroom apartments in the city centre start around £240,000, but are forecasted to appreciate significantly over the next three years due to continued regeneration and population growth.

Why Work with Rothmore Property?

At Rothmore Property, we understand what makes a great investment. With over 60 developments across key UK cities, including a strong footprint in Manchester, we help clients secure high-quality properties in high-demand areas.

We offer more than just listings. We provide tailored advice based on your investment goals, whether that’s long-term capital growth, rental yield, or a hands-off fully managed solution. Our award-winning team knows Manchester inside out, including which developments will benefit most from the Co-op Live effect.

Our in-house services span from acquisition and mortgage support to furnishing and full property management. Whether you're a local buyer or an international investor, we're here to make your property journey smooth and rewarding.

Final Thoughts

The arrival of the BRIT Awards in Manchester isn’t just a one-night event but also a landmark moment in the city’s ongoing rise. From cultural relevance and infrastructure development to strong property returns and a growing population, the signals for long-term investment potential are clear.

Now is the ideal time to explore your options and secure a place in one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities. With Rothmore Property by your side, you’ll have expert guidance, market insight, and access to exclusive new-build developments that are positioned for success.