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Manchester is UK’s most rented city

Admin

September 2, 2025
3 min read

Manchester has taken the crown for the nation’s number one city for renters in 2025. 62% of households there are now leasing their homes, surpassing London in proportion. A study from Property Investments UK revealed this, showing that the residential rental sector tripled, as over a third of households in the country are now renting. The majority are renting from private landlords.

The research looked at a number of key indicators including the total number of rental homes. It revealed a lot about the country’s housing market.

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While London still leads in the volume of rented properties with over 1.8 million, Manchester leads as in proportion, revealing its quick rise as a rental leader. The findings suggest no slowing down in what some have dubbed “generation rent.”

London is sixth in the UK, behind Manchester, Southampton, Norwich, Nottingham, and Cambridge. Rounding off the top ten are Oxford, Leicester, Liverpool, and Salford.

An increase in renting reveals bigger changes in lifestyle as well as economic pressure throughout many of the country’s biggest cities. For many, including younger generations, renting has changed from being a stopgap to becoming a permanent fixture in their plans.

Cities that combine affordability, tenant satisfaction, and good transportation links are fast becoming some of the top rental hotspots.

“Manchester’s appeal as a rental hotspot lies in its dynamic mix of culture, connectivity, and opportunity,” real estate specialists at Property Investments UK said.

“The city’s extensive transport network, thriving university scene, and vibrant social atmosphere make it incredibly attractive to renters, particularly young professionals and students. For investors, these qualities ensure a steady influx of tenants and sustained rental demand, making Manchester a compelling choice for building a property portfolio.”

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