South Bank isn’t just a new neighbourhood – it’s a complete transformation. As one of the UK’s largest regeneration zones, it’s expanding the footprint of Leeds city centre by over 100 hectares. For landlords and investors, it’s an area packed with promise.
At the heart of it all is Aire Park, a landmark mixed-use development that’s attracting professionals, tenants, developers and landlords alike. With 1,400 homes, a new city park, and walkable access to Leeds Station, Aire Park is already proving to be one of the most strategic buy-to-let locations in the North.
So what makes South Bank such a strong contender in 2026 – and why are investors putting it at the top of their list?
Let’s take a look.
What’s happening in Leeds South Bank?
South Bank spans an area from Holbeck to Leeds Dock, taking in parts of LS10 and LS11 that were once seen as secondary to the traditional city core. That’s no longer the case.
In 2026:
- 34% of all new residential development in Leeds is concentrated in South Bank
- It’s delivering thousands of new homes, commercial spaces, and public infrastructure
- New employers are moving in, and rental demand is rising with them
This is not a long-term plan – it’s real and it’s happening now. Tenants are already moving in, and landlords are already seeing returns.
Aire Park: the anchor development
Leading the charge is Aire Park, a £1.5 billion masterplan by Vastint UK that is redefining what modern city-centre living looks like.
By 2026, Aire Park will have delivered:
- 1,400 new homes across a mix of tenures and price points
- Over 800,000 sq ft of office space, including Grade A headquarters buildings
- A 3.5-hectare park – the largest new city-centre green space in the country
- A mix of retail, food, drink, and leisure outlets designed to support vibrant 24/7 living
It’s not just about homes – it’s about building community, placemaking, and delivering long-term liveability. That’s why tenants want to be here – and why landlords are investing.
Why Leeds South Bank is delivering yields above the city average
Across Leeds, average gross rental yields hover around 6–6.5%. In South Bank, new and nearly new homes are achieving up to 8.8%, particularly for:
- One- and two-bedroom apartments in new developments
- Properties with on-site amenities like gyms, co-working lounges, and concierge services
- Homes with EPC ratings of B or above
This performance is being driven by:
- Young professionals moving to Leeds for roles in tech, finance, legal and engineering
- Tenants relocating from London and Manchester, drawn by value, lifestyle, and connectivity
- Employers expanding in Temple Works, Wellington Place and the South Bank Enterprise Zone
Rental values for well-located 2-bedroom flats have hit £1,350 to £1,500 pcm in 2026, with studios and one-beds regularly letting above £1,000 pcm.
What tenants want in 2026 – and why South Bank delivers
The tenant profile in South Bank is changing fast. Today’s renters are focused on three main priorities:
1. Location and connectivity
Being close to Leeds Station, with fast rail links to London, Manchester, York and Sheffield, is a huge pull for hybrid and remote workers.
South Bank tenants can walk to:
- Leeds city centre in under 10 minutes
- Major employment hubs including NHS Trusts, law firms, media agencies and tech companies
- Green space and gyms within their own developments
2. Energy efficiency and sustainability
With EPC regulations tightening, tenants are actively choosing properties that are cost-efficient to run. New builds in Aire Park and across Holbeck are designed with sustainability in mind – and that’s good news for both tenants and landlords.
3. Lifestyle on the doorstep
Aire Park and neighbouring developments offer:
- On-site cafés and co-working lounges
- Landscaped courtyards, rooftop terraces and social spaces
- Proximity to events, food festivals and public art
This type of rental experience appeals to professionals aged 25–40 who are willing to pay for convenience and community.
What types of properties are letting best in LS10 and LS11?
Across South Bank and Holbeck, the strongest performers in 2026 are:
- One-bedroom apartments with smart layouts and high-spec finishes
- Two-bedroom apartments that suit couples, friends or sharers
- Furnished flats with white goods, contemporary décor and secure entry
Demand is particularly strong in developments close to:
- Aire Park
- Leeds Dock
- Temple Works and the Holbeck Urban Village
Off-plan and completed units: investor strategies
Some investors are entering the South Bank market via off-plan purchases – particularly in Aire Park and nearby schemes. These properties offer:
- Lower entry prices when bought early
- Full NHBC warranties and modern EPC ratings
- High tenant appeal due to finish, design and location
Others are acquiring resale apartments in slightly older developments and refurbishing to modern standards. Even minor updates – fresh paint, energy-efficient lighting, contemporary furniture – can significantly boost rental returns.
South Bank vs city core: which is better for landlords?
Leeds city centre remains strong, but for landlords looking to maximise returns, South Bank offers a better balance of affordability, growth potential and yield.
Example comparison (2026):
| Area | Avg Property Price | Avg Rent (2-bed) | Gross Yield |
| Leeds City Centre | £285,000 | £1,300 | 5.5% |
| South Bank (LS10) | £245,000 | £1,450 | 7.1% |
| Holbeck (LS11) | £230,000 | £1,350 | 7.0% |
Source: Hunters Leeds Market Data, Q1 2026
The key difference? South Bank still has room to grow.
Regulatory confidence: why South Bank is a safer bet
In 2026, landlords face more regulation than ever before. But South Bank offers a level of protection and predictability not always available in other areas.
- Newer homes tend to meet current and upcoming EPC requirements (minimum EPC C likely to become law by 2028)
- Leasehold structures are clearer and often include professional block management
- Demand is consistent and professionally led – reducing the risk of short-term voids
This makes South Bank ideal for landlords who want low-hassle, high-quality tenancies, particularly when properties are fully managed.
What Hunters Lettings Leeds offers landlords in South Bank
We’re not just lettings agents – we’re investment specialists.
At Hunters Lettings Leeds, we:
- Help landlords source high-performing investment properties
- Provide rental forecasts, yield analysis and compliance advice
- Manage everything from marketing and viewings to maintenance and renewals
With a dedicated lettings office focused on city-centre living, we’re already managing homes across Aire Park, Leeds Dock, Granary Wharf, and Holbeck Urban Village – and we know exactly what tenants are looking for.
Whether you’re building your first portfolio or adding your 10th unit, we can help you maximise every opportunity in South Bank.
Book a free valuation with us now
Ready to invest in the South Bank?
With 2026 shaping up as the delivery year for Aire Park and Leeds South Bank, there’s no better time to get involved.
Leeds is already one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities – and South Bank is its next chapter.
Explore current listings, off-market opportunities, and full property management with our expert team. Contact us right now
