The 21st Century property market has seen a handful of select areas across the globe that have continued to thrive in ever-changing and unpredictable circumstances. London is often at the very top of this list, with its constantly expanding development of desirable postcodes and prestige areas. This does inevitably mean that demand in the market is extremely high with prices elevating rapidly beyond the reach of many investors and home seekers.
The Best Areas to Invest in Real Estate Outside London
Looking further afield across the country requires a solid base of research and experience, alongside a certain willingness to take a journey outside of familiar territory to see exactly what is on offer. However, the reward for doing so can often bring a much more satisfying return than simply following a risk averse and capital centric attitude. Let’s take a journey across England to understand five of the very best alternatives to buying property outside of London.
Manchester
Manchester has been quietly making a good argument for its status as England’s second city for over a decade now. What was once a showcase for how an industrialised city can operate is now a thriving hub of art, culture, entertainment and commerce. Areas of Manchester that were neglected and forgotten in the post-industrial slump of the late 20th century are now blossoming as the allure of the city centre spreads further and further. The leafy suburbs of South Manchester offer connected and vibrant communities with ample leisure and retail opportunities quite literally on the doorstep.
Favourites such as Didsbury, Chorlton and Altrincham have all prospered in the last 20 years as a go to destination for young professionals and families that work in the city centre or at neighbouring Salford’s Media City complex. This has led to an incredibly strong rental market that takes advantage of housing stock with properties ranging from grand Victorian terraces to beautiful Georgian Town Houses. As one Mancunian once famously said “Manchester has everything apart from a beach”.
Liverpool
Liverpool was once the richest city in the world with all of the incredible history and stories you would expect from such a wonderful port location. The effects of such a diverse melting pot of influences and experiences has been a huge part of its very recent resurgence too. With a population of just under one million, there is now a clear attraction for a student population of two universities and a burgeoning creative industry sector.
The result has been a rising rental market that can provide a very significant yield between 6.5% and 7%. Property prices here are well below the UK average and with accompanying heavy investment in infrastructure, transportation and education there is a great draw for families and young professionals all across the north of England. The ongoing development of a mixed used neighbourhood for Liverpool Waterfront and the 750 million pound creation of a new stadium for Everton FC are great examples of how this is work in action.
Maidenhead
The commuter belt of areas that surround London is well known as a safe bet for property that relies on its proximity to the capital. If you are looking for a city connection with a stronger sense of countryside, then Maidenhead should be given serious consideration. Benefitting from direct services to London Paddington in only 30 minutes, and with the M4 conveniently linking it to Heathrow airport and beyond, it provides an enviable transport network for such a tranquil riverside retreat beside the Thames in the county of Berkshire.
Food connoisseurs will no doubt be tempted here by Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck restaurant, Maidenhead’s most famous restaurant that also happens to be one of the most innovative fine dining experiences anywhere in the world. There are historical notes all around too with Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s railway bridge spanning the Thames, as memorably captured on canvas by the great artist J.M.W Turner.
Oxfordshire
It seems impossible to mention Oxfordshire without thinking first of perhaps the most famous education institution in the world, Oxford University. For those considering investment in this area, they will be happy to know that the general level of education infrastructure for primary and secondary level ages is as excellent as one would expect.. However, it is the beautiful countryside charm of the county that remains the real star of the show for Oxfordshire living. As an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Cotswolds across the west of the county typifies this idea as a paradise for walking, hiking, cycling, horse riding and all outdoor activities against a backdrop of some of the best scenery in England.
Giants of the research, technology and healthcare sectors have made their home here which has then encouraged an influx of the best talent from around the globe to promote a thriving economy. Taking a simple walk around the market towns beneath the spires makes it easy to understand why they choose to stay.
Much Hadham
Much Hadham is the ultimate destination for anybody searching for quintessential and classic English living charm. This East Hertfordshire village runs along the River Ash between the historic towns of Ware and Bishop’s Stortford and boasts an incredible history that dates back to Roman times. Tudor and Georgian period homes demand your attention as you travel across the centuries old cobbles on what is becoming one of the most attractive postcodes in Great Britain.
A wonderful connection to the arts is best displayed through the Henry Moore Foundation that operates from the hamlet of Perry Green, offering young artists opportunities and bursaries to further their talent. With 12th Century churches to explore and some of the greatest examples of English public houses to relax in, the days here feel like you have been transported to an idyll that simply isn’t available anywhere else in the country.
There is no better time to spread your property investment outside of London for some great returns and opportunities. You may find that you get to see the very best the country has to offer for areas of modern living in 2024 too.
