However there is no doubt that the market as a whole proved resilient, continuing to grow and maintaining its reputation as one of the most stable property markets in the world.
Looking to 2019, investors looking to make the most of the opportunities presented by UK property will do well to start planning now. But with the traditional London investment market currently flailing, and markets within the UK’s regional cities emerging with good potential for capital growth and rental yields, where will the UK’s new property investment hotspots be for the next 12 months?
SevenCapital has done the research and offers up its top six areas for investment in 2019:
Birmingham
2018 Population: 1,147,000
Property Price Growth since 2013: 36.8%
Birmingham tops the list of our best UK cities to invest in 2019, buoyed by incredible inward investment, huge infrastructural developments and, according to Knight Frank, a predicted population growth of 13.5% taking the city’s population to 1.3 million by 2039. From the generational development of HS2 bringing London closer than ever, the landscape will also be shifted by the £700 million Paradise development and £500 million Birmingham Smithfield regeneration.
As the second fastest growing UK city over 2018 and with a forecast growth of 14% over the next three years, Birmingham is set to remain an investment hotspot in 2019.
Manchester
2018 Population: 545,500
Property Price Growth since 2013: 33.6%
The heart of the Northern Powerhouse continues to impress, supported by an incredibly strong rental market and student population, on track to experience a 14% population growth over the next 20 years. Voted the ‘Best UK City to Live’ in 2016, Manchester has also embraced the buy-to-let market, increasing property prices by 27% over the last 10 years.
With significant investment boosting its credentials, Manchester remains a consistent performer alongside Birmingham and Liverpool in the UK’s top areas for rental growth.
Liverpool
2018 Population: 491,500
Property Price Growth since 2013: 23.5%
Liverpool has the fastest-growing economy in the UK, bolstered by flagship developments such as the £5 billion Liverpool Waters scheme and the Regenerating Liverpool masterplan. Sitting alongside these projects, the Liverpool Local plan is aiming to deliver 38,000 new jobs and 35,000 new homes by 2033, boosting the population above 500,000.
Edinburgh
2018 Population: 513,210
Property Price Growth since 2013: 27.7%
One of the success stories of 2018, looking set to continue through 2019, Edinburgh has enjoyed significant growth over the last 12 months. Demand is ever increasing, outperforming London and UK regional cities. During April 2018, property prices in Edinburgh were 12% up on the previous year, one of the highest increases of the year. The economy was also one of the fastest growing in the UK last year.
Leicester
2018 Population: 513,210
Property Price Growth since 2013: 27.7%
With property price increases of over 250% since 2000, Leicester is continuing to emerge as a major investment hotspot. The third fastest growing location in the UK over recent months, Leicester has reaped the benefits from people leaving London to seek out better affordability and options in the UK’s regions. With its prime location and easy access across the UK, Leicester represents a fantastic investment opportunity.
Slough
2018 Population: 161,055
Property Price Growth since 2013: 53%
With Crossrail set to complete in 2019, next year could be the year that Slough takes its place on the national stage. One of the key destinations along the commuter belt and a major commercial hub in the South East, prices have already seen significant rises, and are forecast to have risen 35% by 2020 thanks to increased investment and an economy worth £9 billion.
Demand remains high from London buyers, with 46% of the homes in Slough let to people moving from the capital, demonstrating the appetite for more affordable, accessible living.
