Where to rent in Manchester and Birmingham
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- 10th Mar 25
Spotlight on the Northern Powerhouses
The North of England is fast emerging as a powerhouse in the property market, with thriving cities like Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, and Newcastle leading the way in regeneration and investment. Once overshadowed by London, the North is now attracting renters and investors alike, thanks to its growing employment opportunities, vibrant cultural scenes, and improved transport links.
At the heart of this transformation is the Build to Rent sector, which is flourishing across the region, offering high-quality, professionally managed rental homes that cater to modern lifestyles.
What the Data Tells us
On the whole, the UK’s Build to Rent sector continues to grow at an impressive rate, with consented planning applications for Build to Rent developments surging by 35% over the past year, according to the latest figures from the British Property Federation (BPF). This significant rise, particularly in the final quarter of 2024, signals a strong and sustained demand for high-quality rental housing, setting the stage for further expansion into 2025.
While London has historically dominated the sector, emerging regional markets across the North are now drawing increasing attention from investors and developers. These areas present strong fundamentals, including affordability, high renter demand, and growing employment opportunities, making them promising locations for future Build to Rent growth.
Manchester Versus Birmingham
Manchester remains one of the most active cities in the Build to Rent sector, with a substantial number of completed developments and ongoing projects catering to a growing customer base. The city’s strong economy, burgeoning professional workforce, and vibrant cultural scene continue to attract renters, making it a safe bet for Build to Rent investment and plenty of choice for individuals and families looking for high quality accommodation.
What’s on the market Manchester/Salford:
Anaconda Cut is a gorgeously designed building with some seriously stylish extras such as a concierge service, co-working space, state-of-the-art gym, yoga studio, sky lounge and communal roof terrace. And did we mention it is pet-friendly too.
The Trilogy, Manchester by Allsop
The Trilogy is a stylish development set amid the stunning backdrop of Manchester’s historic canals. Residents and their four-legged friends can enjoy a stroll around the landscaped communal grounds or for a power charged workout, there is a fully equipped gym. There is also a residents lounge with dedicated workspaces for all your working-from-home needs.
Cortland at Colliers Yard, Salford by Cortland
Cortland at Colliers Yard is a stunning development in the Greengate area, Salford, right on the border with Manchester City. Although there’s lots to enjoy on your doorstep, you may never want to leave with the number of fabulous amenities on offer including lounge terraces, co-working spaces, a business centre, entertainment suites, a games room with a golf simulator, a state-of-the-art fitness suite, a spin studio, yoga studio and an adjacent landscaped park.
The Quarters, Manchester by Northern Group
Premium living in a prime central Manchester postcode, at The Quarters. The thoughtfully designed space offers communal rooftop terraces, a dedicated pet terrace, residents lounge and co-working spaces.
Meanwhile, the West Midlands, led by Birmingham, saw the highest number of new planning consents in 2024, with 4,038 Build to Rent homes approved, including 3,700 within Birmingham itself according to the British Property Federation. This rapid expansion highlights the confidence developers and investors have in Birmingham’s future as a prime Build to Rent location, driven by a robust job market, improved transport links, and a rising population of young professionals and families.
What’s on the market Birmingham:
Apo at The Holloway, Birmingham by APO Group
Located in the vibrant heart of Birmingham, The Holloway currently has contemporary apartments available to rent equipped with state-of-the-art amenities. The innovative approach to renting offers a seamless experience and a chance to make friends while enjoying the many perks of flexible living.
U&A, Birmingham by Dandara Living
Fancy living in the 'Coolest Neighbourhood in Britain'? Digbeth was named this by The Times, thanks to its community of young creatives, independent shops, cinemas, bars, restaurants, and cafes. There are various amenities including a fantastic resident’s lounge, house kitchen and a co-working space.
Hairpin House, Birmingham by ila
With cosy communal lounges, quiet co-working spaces and a concierge team on hand 24/7, where residents can enjoy not one but three Rooftop Terraces. What’s more, there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy resident events such as puppy yoga or rooftop parties.
Soho Wharf, Birmingham by Heimstaden
With generous landscaping serving as a shared amenity space that embodies a sense of communal living. Close to Soho Wharf there are pedestrian and cycle routes available, the development is the perfect combination of city living with green spaces.
Northern Growth Hotspots
Looking beyond Manchester and Birmingham, several northern regions are emerging as likely Build to Rent hotspots with the promising combination of affordability accessibility and access to thriving job markets, vibrant cultural scenes, and modern amenities that cater to a growing population of renters.
Leeds
Leeds has firmly established itself as one of the most attractive locations for Build to Rent expansion outside London. The city boasts a strong financial and digital economy, a growing student population transitioning into young professionals, and a shortage of high-quality rental stock. With major regeneration projects underway, including the South Bank Leeds development, Leeds is well-positioned for continued Build to Rent growth.
Liverpool
Liverpool is another key northern city witnessing increasing Build to Rent interest. With property prices and rental yields offering strong returns for investors, Liverpool provides an attractive proposition for those seeking more affordable Build to Rent opportunities compared to Manchester. The city's thriving creative and digital sectors, alongside its appeal as a university city, continue to drive rental demand.
Sheffield
Sheffield’s affordable cost of living, coupled with its expanding advanced manufacturing and tech industries, makes it an appealing destination. Sheffield’s ongoing regeneration projects, such as the Heart of the City scheme, is set to transform the city and surrounding areas. Whilst under redevelopment and post completion, Heart of the City will generate 7,000 direct and indirect jobs for the city by 2030.
Newcastle
Newcastle’s strong student retention rates and growing professional workforce make it another emerging Build to Rent hotspot. The city is benefiting from substantial investment in infrastructure, employment hubs, and cultural developments, which are contributing to increased demand for premium rental properties.
The Future in the North
The surge in planning applications and construction of Build to Rent developments across the UK highlights a fundamental shift in the rental market. Northern regions once overlooked in favour of London-centric investments, are now proving their resilience and attractiveness.
As we move further into 2025, regional markets will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Build to Rent. As demand for high-quality rental homes continues to rise, Love to Rent will showcase all the leading Build to Rent developments, making it easier than ever for customers to find their perfect home in the North.
Image used- Anaconda Cut, Manchester
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