Manchester’s Northern Quarter: A Prime Hub for Property Investment

Manchester’s Northern Quarter is a unique district that has transformed from an industrial area into a vibrant cultural hub, attracting property investors, homeowners, and renters alike. Known for its bohemian charm, thriving arts scene, and eclectic mix of shops, bars, and eateries, the Northern Quarter has become one of the most desirable areas in Manchester city centre. Its appeal spans a wide audience—investors seeking strong rental yields, homeowners and renters looking for an exciting city lifestyle, drawn to the area’s dynamic character and convenient location.

Why Invest in Manchester’s Property Market?

Manchester is consistently ranked as one of the best cities in the UK for property investment. With a robust economy, high rental demand, and significant regeneration projects, Manchester’s property market offers investors a blend of strong rental returns and capital appreciation. The city’s growing young professional and student population continues to drive demand for rental properties, particularly in central areas like the Northern Quarter.

Key Takeaways for Property Investment in Manchester

• High Rental Demand: Manchester’s large population of young professionals and students drives consistent demand for rental properties.
• Proximity to Business Districts: Central Manchester locations like the Northern Quarter provide easy access to key employment hubs, boosting rental appeal.
• Regeneration Projects: Large-scale projects such as NOMA and Victoria North add value to the property market, indirectly benefiting nearby areas like the Northern Quarter.
• Vibrant Lifestyle and Amenities: Manchester offers residents a blend of career opportunities, cultural experiences, and modern amenities, making it highly liveable.

Manchester Property Market: Capital Growth and Rental Yields

The Northern Quarter in Manchester has experienced notable property price growth and fluctuations over recent years, making it a dynamic investment area. In 2018, the average property price in the Northern Quarter was around £175,000. By 2023, this had risen to approximately £230,000, marking a significant increase of about 31%. Over the past year (2024), properties in the area had an overall average price of £240,664, reflecting a further 7% increase from the previous year. However, this figure remains 18% lower than the 2021 peak of £294,511 Northern Quarter are equally impressive, often reaching 5%–6%, driven by demand from young professionals and creatives drawn to the area’s unique atmosphere. Across Manchester, average rental yields generally range from 5% to 7%, making the Northern Quarter’s figures highly competitive and attractive for investors looking for strong returns in the city centre .

The Northern Quarter: A Key Investment Area in Manchester

The Northern Quarter has established itself as a property investment hotspot within Manchester, offering a mix of residential, commercial, and creative spaces. Its strategic location between Piccadilly and Ancoats, along with easy access to major roads like Great Ancoats Street, positions the Northern Quarter as an ideal location for renters and investors alike.

Key Features of the Northern Quarter

Distinctive Culture and Lifestyle:

• Known for its eclectic mix of independent shops, galleries, and street art, the Northern Quarter has a distinctive character that appeals to creatives and young professionals.
• The district’s bohemian vibe and popular social venues make it a preferred choice for renters seeking a dynamic lifestyle.

Regeneration and Development:

• Public and Private Investment: The area has received substantial funding for environmental and building improvements, urban art, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Nearby Regeneration Projects: NOMA (£800 million) and Victoria North (£4 billion) are major developments close to the Northern Quarter, enhancing the appeal and potential growth of properties in the area.

Diverse Property Options:

• The Northern Quarter offers a mix of residential property types, including new-build apartments, converted warehouses, and live-work units that cater to both renters and buyers.
• With its proximity to business and cultural hubs, the area attracts a wide range of tenants and homeowners.

Proximity to Educational and Employment Hubs:

• Located near Manchester Metropolitan University and the city’s primary business district, the Northern Quarter is ideal for students and professionals, maintaining strong rental demand throughout the year.

Investment Opportunities in the Northern Quarter

The Northern Quarter’s diverse property market includes opportunities across different sectors. From new-build apartments to converted commercial spaces, the area offers attractive options for property investors looking for buy-to-let, buy-to-live, or mixed-use properties. Some of the most appealing aspects include:

• High Rental Yield Potential: Rental yields in the Northern Quarter can reach up to 7%, competitive within Manchester’s property market.
• Capital Appreciation: With property prices on a steady upward trend, the Northern Quarter offers strong potential for capital growth, supported by ongoing regeneration and rising demand.
• Off-Plan Investments: New developments provide off-plan opportunities at attractive purchase prices, ideal for those looking to invest in Manchester property for future gains.

New-Build Developments in the Northern Quarter

Lomax: Located between Laystall Street and Ducie Street, Lomax is a boutique development featuring 41 modern apartments. This eight-floor building offers 28 two-bedroom and 13 one-bedroom units, many with large windows and spacious balconies. With a rooftop terrace fostering a community feel and its proximity to the heart of the Northern Quarter, Ancoats, and Piccadilly, Lomax is positioned perfectly for homeowners, renters and investors.

One Port Street: Situated in the heart of the Northern Quarter, One Port Street is a premium residential development offering exclusive city-centre living. With high-end amenities, including a swimming pool and a rooftop terrace, this development appeals to residents seeking a luxurious lifestyle. With projected rental yields of around 6% and completion expected in Q4 2025, One Port Street is a compelling investment opportunity in one of Manchester's most desirable locations.

These developments highlight the Northern Quarter’s status as a prime location for property investment, blending cultural vibrancy with strong financial returns.

The Northern Quarter’s Vibrant Lifestyle and Amenities

The Northern Quarter is a lively neighbourhood that offers an array of lifestyle amenities, from trendy cafes and bars to art galleries and music venues. This culturally rich area appeals to tenants seeking an authentic city center experience, complete with unique retail shops, creative spaces, and local markets.

• Social Scene: Known for its vibrant nightlife, the Northern Quarter is home to some of Manchester’s most popular bars, music venues, and art galleries.
• Cultural Attractions: Landmarks such as The National Football Museum and independent cinemas add to the area’s appeal, making it a cultural hub within the city centre.
• Independent Retail and Dining: The district’s focus on independent businesses attracts a wide range of residents who value the area’s distinctive character and eclectic shopping and dining options.

Transport Links and Accessibility

The Northern Quarter is exceptionally well-connected, benefiting from Manchester’s extensive transport network, making it an ideal choice for residents who value accessibility and sustainability. This vibrant area offers convenient access to multiple transport options, aligned with the city’s transport strategy and investment in infrastructure improvements.

Key Transport Links in the Northern Quarter

• Proximity to Piccadilly Station
  Just a short walk from Manchester Piccadilly Station, the Northern Quarter provides easy access to national and regional rail services. Piccadilly Station is a major transport hub, connecting Manchester to cities across the UK, including London, Liverpool, Leeds, and beyond. This proximity makes the Northern Quarter an excellent location for commuters and residents who frequently travel for work or leisure.
• Comprehensive Public Transport Network
  The Northern Quarter is well-served by buses and the Metrolink tram network, ensuring efficient access to all corners of Manchester and the Greater Manchester area. The Metrolink tram service, with over 99 stops across the region, offers reliable and frequent connections, ideal for those commuting to surrounding areas. The nearby Shudehill Interchange provides additional bus and tram routes, further enhancing connectivity.
• Walking and Cycling-Friendly
  With its central location, the Northern Quarter supports an active, car-free lifestyle. Many destinations within Manchester city centre are accessible by foot or bicycle, reducing the need for a car and promoting healthier travel options. The area is pedestrian-friendly, with designated cycle routes and bike storage facilities that make cycling a practical choice for residents.
• Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040: Sustainable Goals
• The Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040 aims to have at least 50% of all journeys in Greater Manchester made by public transport or active travel (walking and cycling) by 2040. This goal includes reducing the reliance on car trips from over 60% in 2017 to no more than 50% of daily journeys by 2040. The strategy’s focus on public and active transport aligns with Manchester’s urban regeneration and makes areas like the Northern Quarter even more appealing for environmentally-conscious residents.
• Investment and Development in Transport Infrastructure
• To support its ambitious transport goals, Greater Manchester has secured £1.07 billion from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement. This investment will fund extensive transport improvements across the region, enhancing the quality, reach, and sustainability of public and active transport options.
• The Bee Network
  The Bee Network is an integrated transport system currently under development, which aims to unify Manchester’s buses, trams, cycling, walking routes, and rail services. By providing a seamless, connected network, the Bee Network will make it easier for residents in areas like the Northern Quarter to navigate the city and travel sustainably. The Bee Network’s completion will reinforce Manchester’s reputation as a well-connected, forward-thinking city and further enhance the appeal of living in centrally located areas like the Northern Quarter.

Investment Potential: Capital Growth and Rental Yield

The Northern Quarter offers robust investment potential due to its combination of high rental demand, unique lifestyle appeal, and strategic location. Property values have shown consistent growth, and rental yields are typically strong, often around 5%–7%. This makes the area highly attractive for buy-to-let investors seeking stable returns.

In addition, the Northern Quarter’s proximity to major regeneration projects like NOMA and Victoria North further enhances its capital growth prospects, as these initiatives continue to improve the area’s infrastructure and amenities.

Partnering with Rothmore Property for Investment Success

For investors interested in the Manchester property market, Rothmore Property provides expert guidance and exclusive access to investment opportunities in the Northern Quarter and beyond. Our team can help you navigate the market, select the right property, and maximise your returns through:

Comprehensive Market Insights: Rothmore provides clients with valuable insights into market trends, property values, and investment potential in Manchester’s key areas, including the Northern Quarter.

Tailored Investment Strategy: Whether you’re interested in buy-to-let, buy-to-live, or off-plan properties, our team will work with you to develop a strategy that aligns with your investment goals.

End-to-End Property Management: From sourcing tenants to property maintenance, Rothmore offers complete property management services to ensure a seamless experience for investors.

With Rothmore Property, you can invest in the Northern Quarter with confidence, supported by our multi-award-winning team’s local expertise and dedication to client success.

Final Thoughts: Is the Northern Quarter Right for Your Investment Portfolio?

The Northern Quarter represents one of Manchester’s most vibrant and promising investment locations. With stong rental yields, a thriving cultural scene, and proximity to key business and educational districts, the area attracts a diverse range of tenants, ensuring strong rental demand. For investors looking to enter Manchester’s property market, the Northern Quarter offers a blend of lifestyle appeal and financial growth potential.