What the Nobu Deal Means for Serviced Accommodation

Manchester is no stranger to transformation - but the latest news cements its position as a global city for both investors and high-end lifestyle seekers. The announcement that Nobu Hospitality, co-founded by Robert De Niro, will anchor the 76-storey Viadux 2 skyscraper is more than just a hospitality headline. It’s a signal.

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The £360m partnership between Salboy and Nobu will bring Manchester its first Nobu hotel outside of London, a signature restaurant, and the UK’s very first Nobu-branded residences - all set within the tallest building in the city. This isn’t just about luxury. It’s about trajectory. Manchester is clearly moving into a new tier of international desirability, and for property investors, particularly in serviced accommodation, the timing could not be more promising.

• Manchester is gaining international recognition with the arrival of the UK’s first Nobu-branded residences outside of London.
• The city continues to experience exceptional growth in both tourism and business travel, fuelling demand for short-term rentals and luxury serviced apartments.
• Developments like Viadux reinforce investor confidence in the Manchester market, especially in city-centre buy-to-let and serviced accommodation strategies.
• CasaCity helps investors maximise rental yields by offering an end-to-end property management solution, including curated furniture packs designed for high-performance serviced apartments.

Nobu’s arrival brings prestige - but more importantly, it reflects demand. Manchester’s hospitality market is expanding at pace, and that demand filters directly into the short-term lettings space. Business travellers, digital nomads, international students, and leisure guests all need flexible, high-quality places to stay. Hotels are no longer the only answer. Serviced apartments, particularly those in new-build developments, provide comfort, privacy, and a lifestyle-first approach that today’s renters expect.

As branded residences and five-star hotel concepts arrive, they create a ripple effect. They boost the surrounding area’s desirability and increase nightly rates for short-term rentals. Investors who already have property in Manchester - or are looking to buy - should see this as a pivotal moment to position themselves.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t a flash-in-the-pan development. Over the past five years, Manchester’s property market has posted some of the strongest growth figures in the UK. Rental demand has skyrocketed, with city-centre apartments in particularly high demand. According to JLL, Manchester is forecast to deliver 4% annual rental growth through to 2027, outperforming cities like Birmingham, Leeds, and even parts of London.

Add to that the draw of international hospitality brands, a thriving tech and media sector, world-class universities, and expanding transport links (including HS2’s initial phases), and you’re looking at a city that’s well-prepared for long-term returns.

At CasaCity, we work with investors who want to ride the wave - not miss it. Whether you're new to serviced accommodation or already operating units in Manchester, we’re here to help you maximise every part of the process.

We offer a fully managed investment and lettings service, taking care of everything from dynamic pricing and bookings to maintenance and guest communication. Our expertly designed furniture packs help optimise your property's aesthetic and functionality - crucial in the serviced accommodation market where first impressions matter.

With our knowledge of the Manchester market and our on-the-ground operations, we take the guesswork out of short-term lets. You get more time, better performance, and a product that's aligned with where the city is heading.

Nobu’s entrance into the Manchester market is more than a branding win - it’s a statement about where the city is going. For property investors focused on short-term rentals and serviced accommodation, this is a green light. Manchester’s international profile is rising, and with it, demand for premium, flexible stays. Whether you're investing in a high-rise like Viadux or looking to convert a city-centre unit into a high-performing serviced apartment, the future looks bright.