Manchester United’s £2 billion 100,000-capacity stadium close to its current home at Old Trafford is likely to fire the starting gun on substantial property investment in the city.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe says he wants to build the “world’s greatest football stadium” as part of a wider regeneration scheme in the city.

The new stadium will form part of a wider regeneration of the Old Trafford area and Chancellor Rachel Reeves has already given government backing to the plans.

United says the project will create 92,000 new jobs, bring an additional 1.8m visitors to the area annually and will be worth an additional £7.3 billion per year to the UK economy.

The injection of interest and investment is just the latest in the city. 

Manchester’s new £1.7 billion innovation district and neighbourhood, Sister, has announced plans for the next phase of what it calls its “transformative redevelopment”.

Sister’s first major development plot, Zone C, will mark a significant step in the masterplan, bringing forward a large amount of new commercial space and public realm and driving the next stage of Sister’s vision following the opening of its first building, the Renold Innovation Hub. 

On the edge of Manchester city centre, Zone C will see the creation of over half a million square feet of flexible commercial space across two new buildings. Designed by architects Allies and Morrison, the 12-storey and 20-storey buildings will offer a mix of cutting-edge workspaces and flexible leisure and community spaces, with a central atrium connecting the two buildings. 

At the same time, Property Investments UK has identified Manchester as the top city for renters in 2025, with 62% of households renting. 

The consultancy analysed key metrics such as the number of rented properties, tenant satisfaction, university populations, employment rate, and affordability. 

Manchester offered 133,126 rented properties, a tenant satisfaction rate of 73%, and a young adult population of 17%. 

The consultancy says: “Manchester’s appeal as a rental hotspot lies in its dynamic mix of culture, connectivity, and opportunity.  The city’s extensive transport network, thriving university scene, and vibrant social atmosphere make it incredibly attractive to renters, particularly young professionals and students. 

“For investors, these qualities ensure a steady influx of tenants and sustained rental demand, making Manchester a compelling choice for building a property portfolio.

“The UK rental market is shifting towards areas that offer a balance of affordability, tenant satisfaction, and community appeal.  Cities like Manchester and Liverpool are thriving due to strong university populations, robust job markets and improved infrastructure. 

“However, the success of rental markets now relies on more than just the number of renters – it’s about the quality of life in these areas.”

It continues: “For investors, tenant satisfaction is becoming a critical factor. High-performing rental markets combine affordability, good transport links and local amenities. 

“Locations with high tenant satisfaction present opportunities for long-term capital growth.  These areas are increasingly attractive to families and young professionals seeking a peaceful, affordable environment.”

Meanwhile insurance firm Pikl, analysing investment opportunities across the UK, says of Manchester: “This is a location with a thriving economy and high demand. Areas like Wythenshawe and Harpurhey offer affordable options, but some postcodes in South Manchester report higher burglary rates. Older properties may also have structural issues due to outdated foundations and lack of modern insulation.”