By Candice Wrigley, Property Manager at Hunters Manchester
Manchester has cemented its place as one of the UK’s leading buy-to-let hotspots. With its thriving economy, world-class universities, expanding transport links, and a young, diverse tenant base, the city consistently attracts investors from across the UK and overseas. But what does 2025 hold for landlords letting in Manchester? And how can you maximise your returns in today’s competitive market?
This guide breaks down the latest data, the strongest rental areas, and the key compliance and management considerations for landlords in Manchester right now.
Manchester rental market snapshot: 2025
Manchester continues to outperform many other UK cities in terms of rental growth. According to the latest Zoopla Rental Index (August 2025):
- Average monthly rent in Manchester: £1,250, up 7.1% year-on-year
- Average UK monthly rent: £1195, up 6% year-on-year
- Average house price in Manchester: £229,000 (Rightmove HPI, Q3 2025)
- Gross rental yields: ranging between 5.5% and 7.2% depending on property type and location
Rightmove also reports that properties in Manchester are letting in around 16 days on average, compared to the national average of 20 days. This underlines the strength of demand from tenants across the city.
Who is renting in Manchester?
Manchester’s tenant pool is diverse, and understanding who you are letting to is key for landlords.
Students
The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford host over 100,000 students combined. Many live in purpose-built student accommodation, but there is strong demand for well-managed HMOs and houses in areas like Fallowfield, Withington and Rusholme.
Young professionals
Manchester is a magnet for graduates and career climbers in sectors such as technology, finance, healthcare, and the creative industries. They favour modern city-centre apartments in neighbourhoods like Ancoats, Deansgate, and the Northern Quarter.
Families
Suburban demand is growing in Didsbury, Chorlton, Sale and Altrincham, where excellent schools and green spaces appeal. Family tenants typically want long-term lets and value energy efficiency and good maintenance.
Corporate and relocation tenants
Large employers and international businesses often relocate staff to Manchester, driving demand for higher-end rentals close to business hubs and transport links.
Best-performing areas for landlords in 2025
Manchester offers a wide variety of buy-to-let opportunities. Here are the stand-out areas for landlords:
City centre hotspots
- Ancoats: Known for its trendy appeal, converted warehouses and independent restaurants. One-bedroom flats average £1,300 per month.
- Deansgate: Luxury apartments attracting professionals, with higher rents but higher purchase costs. Two-bed flats average £1,750 per month.
- Northern Quarter: Popular with young renters seeking culture and nightlife. One-bed flats fetch around £1,200 per month.
South Manchester suburbs
- Didsbury: Strong demand from families and professionals. Three-bed houses average £1600 per month.
- Chorlton: Known for its community vibe and good schools. Two-bed terraces rent for around £1350 per month.
- Withington: More affordable, with strong student and young professional demand.
Salford Quays and MediaCity
- Attractive for professionals working in digital, media and the BBC. Two-bed apartments rent for around £1350 per month.
Regeneration areas
- Victoria North: A major regeneration project delivering thousands of new homes, likely to boost yields and values.
- Hulme and Ardwick: Affordable entry points with improving infrastructure.
Yields and capital growth
Manchester remains one of the UK’s strongest-performing cities for yields and long-term growth.
- Gross yields: typically 5.5% – 7.2%, compared to a UK average closer to 5%
- Highest yields: HMOs and smaller city-centre apartments
- Capital growth: Manchester property values have risen 5.8% in the past 12 months (Zoopla Price Index, August 2025)
Landlords can benefit from both rental income and appreciation, particularly in regeneration areas with strong growth potential.
Compliance and responsibilities for landlords in 2025
Compliance remains a critical part of letting in Manchester. In 2025, landlords must ensure they meet the following obligations:
Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)
- Annual requirement, carried out by a Gas Safe engineer
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Minimum rating of E currently, with a government proposal to raise this to C in coming years
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
- Must be renewed every 5 years
Smoke and CO alarms
- Smoke alarms required on every floor; CO alarms required in rooms with gas appliances
Deposit protection
- Deposits must be lodged in a government-approved scheme within 30 days
Right to Rent checks
- Landlords must check and record tenants’ immigration status
Renters’ Reform Bill updates
- Section 21 no-fault evictions are due to be abolished in 2025
- Section 8 grounds for possession will be expanded
- Move to single periodic tenancy model
Licensing in Greater Manchester
- Several boroughs, including Salford and Manchester City Council, operate selective licensing schemes. Landlords must check local rules for each property.
Practical tips for letting in Manchester
Price competitively
Benchmark your property against similar listings on Rightmove and Zoopla. Overpricing can lead to longer voids.
Presentation matters
Modern, well-maintained properties let faster. Neutral décor, reliable appliances, and clean finishes are attractive to tenants.
Furnished vs unfurnished
Students and young professionals often prefer furnished properties, while families lean towards unfurnished to make a home their own.
Highlight energy efficiency
With rising utility costs, tenants are looking closely at EPC ratings. Upgrades can make your property more desirable.
Work with a local agent
Hunters Manchester knows the market inside out, helping landlords reduce voids, stay compliant and secure the right tenants.
Risks and opportunities for investors
Opportunities
- Strong rental demand and above-average rent growth
- Regeneration projects boosting long-term values
- Large student and professional tenant base
Risks
- Compliance costs, particularly energy efficiency upgrades
- Mortgage interest rate fluctuations affecting profitability
- Competition in the city centre from new-build apartments
Being proactive with property management and compliance helps mitigate risks while maximising returns.
Outlook: the future of Manchester lettings
Looking ahead, Manchester’s fundamentals remain strong:
- Rental demand expected to rise as population grows
- Ongoing regeneration in Victoria North and transport improvements will boost appeal
- Rent growth likely to continue outpacing national averages
- Yields expected to remain higher than many southern UK cities
For landlords, this means Manchester remains one of the most attractive cities for buy-to-let investment in 2025 and beyond.
Conclusion
Letting in Manchester in 2025 offers landlords a wealth of opportunity, but success depends on understanding the tenant base, choosing the right area, staying compliant, and presenting properties well.
At Hunters Manchester, we combine local expertise with national reach to help landlords achieve the best possible returns.
- Request a free rental valuation:
- Explore our landlord services:
- Speak to our team for tailored advice on letting in Manchester.
With the right preparation and guidance, your buy-to-let property in Manchester can deliver strong yields, long-term growth, and reliable tenants in 2025.
