A developer claims Trafford is now a market-leader, rapidly emerging as one of 2025’s top investment locations. 

This is because of Trafford Waters, a £1.6 billion master-planned development that promises exceptional capital growth and rental returns in one of the UK’s most dynamic property markets.

Trafford has an average property price of £384,000 and an annual rental growth of 14.5% claims X1 Developments chief executive Nick Sweeney. 

Located just west of Manchester city centre, TraffordCity is undergoing a remarkable development into a high-growth hub for businesses, entertainment, and premium residential developments. With world-class retail, leisure attractions, and multimillion-pound infrastructure projects in progress, TraffordCity is quickly becoming a prime location for investors seeking high rental yields and long-term capital growth.

Xi says the Trafford Waters neighbourhood is set to offer residents and investors a range of exceptional facilities, including:

• 12 Padel Courts: The largest padel court HQ in the North, positioning the area as a prime location for international padel competitions;

• Planet Ice: A 3,000-capacity ice arena, which will double as a multi-purpose event space;

• AirKicks: Cutting-edge skydiving facilities;

• UK’s Highest Indoor Ski Dome: Bringing the thrills of skiing to the North;

• David Lloyd: £8m expansion of their fitness and wellness facilities;

• Trafford Golf Range: One of the busiest golf ranges in the UK, with 20m balls hit annually.

Additionally, X1 claims the forthcoming Therme Spa, a £300m development, will become a regional landmark and one of the largest health and wellness centres in the UK, opening in mid-2027.

Sweeney says strategically situated within this area, X1 Trafford Waters is perfectly positioned to capitalise on the ongoing development of TraffordCity. The development, located on the waterfront, offers a selection of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments as part of the first phase of this exciting transformation. 

Spearheaded by Peel Group, the wider TraffordCity development will eventually feature three interconnected neighbourhoods — Trafford Centre, Trafford Waters, and Trafford Quay Leisure Village — creating a mixed-use community that’s set to become one of the most sought-after locations in the area.

Prices for the X1 Trafford Waters apartments start from £198,000. With over 700,000 square feet of commercial space planned for the broader area, and the initial 3,000 homes in the pipeline, X1 Trafford Waters is positioned for significant long-term capital growth over the next 5 to 10 years.

Sweeney says: “Since we launched X1 in 2009, we’ve grown into one of the North West’s most respected developers, known for delivering large-scale residential projects that make a real impact. Our mission has always been to build more than just buildings — we aim to create vibrant communities that people love to live in. 

“We’ve completed or have in development £1.2 billion worth of property across 43 developments, with 36 already launched. We’ve sold 7,700 units across 110 countries, which shows the global reach we’ve been able to build. But it’s not just about growth, it’s about maintaining the highest standards and forming lasting partnerships with our local and industry partners. 

“Looking ahead, we’re focused on sustainable, long-term growth, and we’re excited about continuing to create communities that will thrive for years to come.”