Manchester: 2025 UK’s most Livable City

A recent survey by Mindshire UK, as reported by the Manchester Evening News, confirms what locals have known for years: Manchester has officially overtaken London as the UK’s most desirable place to live. At first glance, it might read like a feel-good headline, but for investors, it points to something more valuable: long-term stability, consistent rental demand, and rising asset value.

When people actively choose a city based on lifestyle, connectivity, affordability, and opportunity, they stay longer and invest more in their local area. For property investors, that means stronger rental income, lower vacancy rates, and confidence in your long-term strategy.

Key Takeaways
 

• Manchester is now ranked more liveable than London, according to major global indexes
   
• Consistent tenant demand supports yields of 6% or more in key city-centre locations
   
• Regeneration and infrastructure continue to drive capital growth potential
   
• Affordability and lifestyle appeal make it ideal for both UK and international investors

What the Global Liveability Rankings Mean for Investors

Manchester received a score of 89.3 in the Global Liveability Index 2025, just edging past London’s 89.2. This index, compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit, measures key factors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, environment, and culture.

The result isn’t just a flattering headline. It’s a data point that reflects real demand. Manchester is attracting professionals, students, families, and even retirees. People are choosing the city for its blend of established neighbourhoods and modern convenience. That translates into multi-segment demand across both the buyer and rental markets, a core ingredient for stable and growing property values.

Why This Signals Opportunity for Property Investors

Manchester’s top position in the UK liveability rankings offers clear reassurance for investors prioritising long-term rental demand, affordability, and urban regeneration-led growth. Now home to more than 100,000 residents in the city centre alone (The Guardian), the area attracts a dynamic tenant base from graduates and professionals to a large international student population, all of which supports consistent rental income and lower vacancy risk.

A significant strength is affordability relative to other prime UK cities. In Manchester city centre, average property prices range from £239,000 to £300,000 depending on unit type and development stage (Rentlife, Aventus). At the same time, average rents for one-bedroom apartments now sit between £1,200 and £1,345 per month, delivering strong gross rental yields of 6.5% to 7%, according to recent market reviews by Aventus and Rentlife.

This performance sits well above the national average and offers particular appeal to yield-focused investors. Importantly, the city’s high livability score isn’t just a lifestyle headline, it also reflects real infrastructure, tenant demand, and quality-of-life factors that keep central neighbourhoods in high demand.

London continues to serve as a global investment gateway, offering capital preservation and long-term growth. Manchester, by contrast, offers accessible entry points, higher rental returns, and momentum driven by regeneration. For many of our clients, the most successful strategy isn't choosing between cities, it’s using both Manchester and London to serve different goals within a diversified UK property portfolio.

Liveability Directly Impacts Rental Success

When a city becomes more liveable, the impact on property investment is immediate and measurable. High liveability attracts high-quality tenants, minimises turnover, and boosts long-term rental income.

Manchester’s tenant mix is impressively diverse. From postgraduate students to tech professionals and international relocators, the city’s appeal isn’t limited to one demographic. That means demand remains strong throughout the year, reducing seasonal fluctuations and giving landlords more consistency.

The city’s strong performance in the latest Rightmove buy-to-let report confirms this: average gross yields in Manchester are among the highest in any major UK city. For investors, these yields are more than just numbers. They provide the flexibility to refinance, renovate, or reinvest while maintaining a stable return.

How Regeneration Continues to Shape Manchester’s Investment Landscape

Manchester’s regeneration isn’t surface-level. It’s strategic, policy-backed, and deeply linked to the city’s growing economy. Developments are not only adding homes, but building full communities  with green spaces, public transport hubs, commercial amenities, and vibrant cultural scenes.

Take Viadux as a prime example. This landmark scheme from Salboy, located next to Deansgate, offers city-centre living with direct access to employment and leisure zones. It reflects Manchester’s unique approach to urban development, where lifestyle, infrastructure, and future growth intersect.

As regenerated areas mature, they attract independent businesses, cafés, creative hubs, and professionals seeking well-connected yet character-rich communities. For investors, this means rising demand, capital appreciation, and more predictable rental returns.

What It Means for Property Investors Today

If you’re considering Manchester for your next investment, here are the key advantages this liveability shift offers:

Sustainable Rental Income
High livability scores align with low vacancy rates and consistent demand. Investors benefit from steady income streams and reduced tenant turnover.

Long-Term Capital Growth
The desirability of the city reflects genuine population growth and lifestyle demand. This supports asset value over time and helps protect against market volatility.

Greater Liquidity and Flexibility
In liveable cities like Manchester, properties are in demand. Whether you're looking to refinance, sell, or scale your portfolio, strong market activity gives you more options and confidence.

These advantages line up with the fundamentals of smart property investing: yield, growth, and adaptability. When people actively choose the city you invest in, you're not just riding a trend, you're also anchored to long-term value.

How Rothmore Property Helps You Leverage This Momentum

At Rothmore Property, we help investors take advantage of Manchester’s growing appeal in a data-driven, strategic way. 
Our role goes beyond sourcing properties, we align your investment goals with locations that deliver results.

Here’s how we support you:

• We identify off-market and new-build developments in regeneration areas with the highest livability scores
   
• We model rental returns based on actual market demand, not just averages
   
• We offer insight on future transport links, job centres, and local developments shaping growth
   
• We provide a complete one-stop-shop service, from sourcing and legal support to post-completion care

Our goal is simple: help you buy a home in a city where people don’t just pass through, they choose to stay.

Final Word

Manchester has become one of the UK’s most attractive cities for property investment, and that is no coincidence. With strong fundamentals, consistent rental demand, and long-term capital growth driven by liveability and regeneration, the city offers both value and resilience.

At Rothmore Property, we focus on data-backed opportunities in high-demand, high-growth locations across Manchester. These are not just properties that perform. They are designed to outperform. From prime city-centre apartments to regeneration-led districts, we help investors secure assets aligned to their long-term goals.

For those looking to invest with confidence, supported by real numbers, lifestyle shifts, and a growing population, Manchester continues to stand out. And Rothmore makes the process clear, strategic, and results-driven.