Article Summary

The UK’s property market is seeing a rise in interest from overseas investors. With the amount of foreign nationals owning UK property having grown by 19% over the past five years. And there are some parts of the country that are experiencing more demand than others from international property investors. Overseas nationals are turning their sites away from London and towards regional cities like Liverpool and Manchester for a property investment. The north west in particular is set to benefit from this surge in international interest.

The perfect time for international investment

The UK property market has long been a hotspot for international investment. Now the triple benefits of Brexit, the restarting of international travel and the extended stamp duty holiday have all boosted it further.

The drop in value of the pound following the Brexit referendum. As well as the subsequent leaving of the EU has made property prices particularly attractive to overseas investors. Favourable exchange rates mean these property investors can get more for their money. As a result have led to more first-time investors into UK property entering the market.

Along with the savings to be made due to exchange rates, the stamp duty holiday – now extended through June – is also appealing to foreign investors. And with international travel restrictions starting to ease. The timing couldn’t be more perfect for a spike in international property investment.

A further factor that will certainly have an impact is the introduction of the BNO visa. This has contributed to a surge in Hong Kong property investors in recent years.

Growing demand for Manchester property investments

Overseas investors have traditionally focused on London, but this is now changing. Drawn by low property prices and excellent returns, growing numbers of foreign property investors are now turning to the north west.

Manchester property investments are in particular demand. The city continues to grow – both in terms of investment and population – and is likely to see the highest house price and rental price increases in the UK over the next five years. Manchester was also recently named the best city for a buy-to-let investment, which is true for both UK and foreign investors alike.

Many international landlords have also made a Manchester property investment. This provides accommodation for their children who are studying there. Manchester has one of the biggest UK student populations. This means a Manchester property investment will still be in demand from students after the investors’ children have graduated. 

What is property investment?

Put simply, property investment is property purchased with the intention of generating financial returns for its buyer. These returns could be in the form of rental income through buy-to-let properties, house price growth through the future sale of the property or both. Individuals or organisations can invest in property, and the investments can be short, long or medium term.

Contact us

If you’re interested in investing in property and would like to find out more about property investments in Manchester or anywhere else, get in touch with North Property Group now.