Manchester has been named a ‘City to Watch’ in Oxford Economics’ 2026 Global Cities Index, recognising the city among those showing significant momentum and potential to climb the rankings in the coming years. The index assesses 1,000 cities across five areas: economics, human capital, quality of life, environment and governance.
For Manchester, this recognition comes at a time of continued growth and investment across the city. Population growth, job creation, new homes and an active rental market are all contributing to a changing property landscape, creating opportunities for residents, landlords and property investors.
Manchester’s growth story
Manchester’s population increased by an estimated 92,000 between 2015 and 2024, reaching 627,700 according to Manchester City Council. The city also added 103,000 new jobs since 2015.
This continued growth is helping shape Manchester as a place to live and work. For residents, a growing economy can bring more employment opportunities alongside continued investment in neighbourhoods, amenities and housing.
Manchester has also seen great investment in areas including Ancoats, Holt Town, New Jackson & Stockport, contributing to the ongoing development of communities across the city.
What does this mean for residents?
As more people choose to live in Manchester, providing enough homes to meet demand remains an important part of the city’s growth.
Manchester saw 4,766 new homes completed in the latest year, including 901 affordable homes. The city is also targeting at least 36,000 homes across all tenures by 2032.
Alongside housing development, continued investment is helping create more places for people to live, work and spend their time. Manchester also attracted major cultural events earlier this year, with the BRIT Awards and MOBO Awards both taking place in the city, highlighting its growing reputation as a destination for culture and entertainment. The city’s continued growth also makes Manchester an appealing place for businesses to start and grow, creating more jobs and opportunities. This wider growth contributes to the overall appeal of Manchester as a place to live, work and invest.
What does this mean for landlords?
For landlords, population and employment growth can contribute to a strong pool of potential tenants. Manchester’s rental market is also continuing to show activity.
Rentaroof’s Q2 2026 report states that the average monthly rent reached £1,162, up 2.7% year-on-year. The average property was on the market for 21 days, compared with 24 days the previous year.
The latest ONS figures show Manchester’s average private rent reached £1,373 in August 2026, an annual increase of 4.2%.
For landlords, this can create opportunities for rental income and high returns on investment (ROI), although individual property performance will depend on factors such as location, property type, rental demand and ongoing costs. Maximising ROI requires looking beyond rental income alone, with factors such as void periods, maintenance costs, tenant demand and the overall performance of the property all playing a role. For more advice, read our guide to how to maximise your returns as a landlord.
What does this mean for property investors?
Manchester’s strong economic growth, rising population and continued investment make it an increasingly attractive market for property investors. The city’s expanding economy and housing demand provide a strong backdrop for both capital growth and rental opportunities.
The average Manchester house price was £252,000 in July 2026, while average private rents reached £1,373 in August 2026, up 4.2% year-on-year. This continued rental growth highlights the strength of demand within Manchester’s private rental market.
For buy-to-let investors, the combination of economic growth, population growth, ongoing development and rental demand creates a positive environment for long-term investment. While performance will always vary between individual properties, choosing the right property in the right location, at the right price, with the right support, can provide significant opportunities for investors in the Manchester market.
There’s especially strong opportunities in the new-build buy-to-let market in Manchester, with modern properties in areas benefiting from continued investment and regeneration. For investors looking for a lower-maintenance, ready-to-let investment, the right new-build property can be an attractive option. This can be a particularly appealing option for first-time property investors, offering a straightforward way to enter the investment market with a modern, ready-to-let property and professional support throughout the process.
Manchester’s continued growth
Oxford Economics’ recognition of Manchester as a City to Watch reflects the city’s continued momentum, with population and employment growth, new housing, major investment and ongoing regeneration all contributing to its development. Together, these factors are helping to strengthen Manchester’s position as a place to live, work and invest.
For residents, continued growth means more homes, jobs and an enhanced lifestyle within a thriving city. For landlords, a growing city and active rental market can support demand for rental property, while investors can consider Manchester’s ongoing development when assessing opportunities within the property market.
As the city continues to grow and evolve, its property market remains closely connected to the wider strength and appeal of Manchester.
At Northern Group, we understand the importance of Manchester’s continued growth and what it means for the property market. From property management and lettings to sales, development and investment, our team has over two decades of experience across the city, supporting landlords, investors and residents across Manchester’s evolving property landscape.
Find out more about our Property Management Services