Manchester Ranked the UK’s Top City for Renters in 2025

In 2025, Manchester has officially taken the top spot as the UK’s most attractive city for renters – and it’s not hard to see why. With over 62% of households renting, a tenant satisfaction rate of 73%, and a thriving student and young professional population, Manchester continues to shine as a go-to destination for renters and a powerhouse for property investment.

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Backed by strong employment figures, improving infrastructure, and an affordability ratio far below London’s, the city’s buy-to-let landscape remains exceptionally promising. For property investors, this translates into more than just high demand – it means stability, long-term growth potential, and the opportunity to cater to a dynamic and diverse tenant base.

• Manchester boasts the highest tenant satisfaction rate among major cities, with 73% of renters expressing positive experiences.
• Over 62% of households rent, driven by university demand, young professionals, and improved transport links.
• The city’s affordability ratio sits at 7.07, nearly half that of London, making it ideal for sustainable rental yields.
• Investors benefit from strong occupancy rates, long-term growth prospects, and a vibrant rental market with solid fundamentals.

Manchester has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s most attractive rental cities. According to the latest data, over 88,000 university students call the city home, supported by a robust 65% employment rate and more than 2,700 transport stops across the network. These factors contribute not only to a healthy rental pipeline but also to long-term viability for investors.

The rental market in Manchester is no longer just about affordability – it’s about livability. Tenant satisfaction scores are among the highest in the country, reflecting the city's cultural vibrancy, walkability, nightlife, and modern housing options. This creates an environment where renters stay longer, treat homes with care, and generate consistent income for landlords.

Compared to London’s affordability ratio of 13.51, Manchester’s 7.07 ratio makes it far more attractive for tenants – and even more rewarding for landlords. Whether you’re looking at city-centre apartments, new-builds near transport hubs, or houses in popular student areas, there’s no shortage of opportunity here.

Tenant satisfaction is now a key metric for property performance – and Manchester leads the way. High tenant contentment tends to reduce turnover, enhance retention, and drive consistent yields. With such a large share of renters, the city also allows for diversified letting strategies including short-term rentals, co-living, and traditional long-term lets.

What’s particularly exciting is how Manchester blends strong fundamentals with forward-facing development. New infrastructure, improved amenities, and ongoing regeneration (from Mayfield to Victoria North) signal even greater future appeal. This growth attracts both domestic and international tenants, adding another layer of resilience to your property portfolio.

At CasaCity, we specialise in helping investors maximise returns in high-performing markets like Manchester. With serviced accommodation in Manchester on the rise, our team is equipped to support landlords looking to stand out in a competitive environment.

Our property management model caters to both long-term and short-term rentals in Manchester, including corporate accommodation and luxury serviced apartments. From dynamic pricing and tenant communications to full operational support, we handle the day-to-day while you enjoy passive income.

We also offer beautifully designed, turnkey furniture packs, tailored specifically for serviced accommodation. Each collection – from entry-level to premium – is curated to enhance rental appeal, reduce voids, and increase nightly rates. With trends leaning toward warm minimalism, wellness-inspired interiors, and bold colour palettes, our packs help ensure your property captures attention and delivers performance from day one.

Manchester’s reign as the top UK rental city in 2025 is not just a passing trend – it’s a reflection of deep, structural strengths in affordability, satisfaction, and lifestyle quality. For investors, this offers a compelling reason to explore or expand within the Manchester market.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced landlord, the city’s consistent growth and high-performing rental ecosystem make it a prime location for building a resilient and profitable portfolio.

Partnering with CasaCity means you’re not just investing in property – you’re building a strategic investment with a trusted team that understands the serviced accommodation market inside and out.