John Minnis guide throws spotlight on Derry and Fermanagh

Northern Ireland’s emerging investment hotspots are delivering compelling opportunities for investors in 2026, with new research from Belfast-based estate agency John Minnis revealing a shift in where landlords are finding the strongest returns.

Drawing on insights from the latest John Minnis Investment Guide, the analysis highlights how the Derry/Londonderry and Fermanagh areas are now leading the next wave of investment activity, combining affordability, above-average price growth and improving lifestyle indicators.

While Belfast remains the region’s core rental engine, these regional markets are increasingly attracting attention for their balance of capital growth potential, lower entry points and evolving economic profiles.

This trend comes as Northern Ireland continues to outperform the wider UK market, with annual house price growth reaching 7.5% by the end of 2025, which is more than triple the UK average. At the same time, the region remains highly accessible, with average property prices at £196,000 compared to £292,000 in England.

At the heart of Northern Ireland’s investment appeal is a persistent imbalance between supply and demand.

•          Over 50 enquiries per rental property on average

•          Average monthly rents reaching £995 (up 5.6% annually)

•          Regional gross rental yields averaging around 5.1%

•          Belfast apartments achieving yields of approximately 8.3%

This imbalance is driving both rental growth and capital appreciation, encouraging investors to look beyond traditional urban centres.

 Derry/ Londonderry & Strabane has emerged as one of the most compelling value-led investment markets for 2026 due to:

•          Average prices around £212,000

•          Annual growth of approximately 8.0%

•          Strengthening rental demand

The area is benefiting from continued economic development, infrastructure improvements and its role as a regional centre for employment and education.

For investors, the opportunity lies in capital appreciation – as pricing continues to catch up with more established markets, there remains clear headroom for growth alongside improving rental returns.

Fermanagh is quietly becoming one of the strongest performers in Northern Ireland for capital growth with:

•          Growth reaching up to 8.5% in 2025

•          Periods of double-digit increases

•          Ongoing supply shortages

Demand has been driven by shifting buyer priorities, including lifestyle, space and affordability. The area’s strong environmental credentials and quality of life are key differentiators.

While yields are typically lower than urban markets, the equity growth potential is positioning the region as a prime target for long-term investors.

Belfast continues to anchor the Northern Ireland investment market, particularly for income-focused landlords.

•          Average rents of £1,162 per month

•          Apartment yields around 8.3%

•          Consistently low vacancy rates

Demand from young professionals, students and a growing workforce ensures strong rental liquidity. Continued development, including Build-to-Rent schemes, is reinforcing Belfast’s position as the region’s most reliable yield market.

John Minnis, Founder of John Minnis Estate Agents, said: “What we are seeing in 2026 is a clear shift in where investors are focusing their attention. While Belfast remains the backbone of the rental market, there is growing recognition that some of the strongest opportunities now lie in emerging regional locations.

“For investors, Northern Ireland offers a unique proposition. You still have relatively low entry costs, strong yields – particularly in the apartment sector and clear potential for long-term growth. That combination is becoming increasingly difficult to find elsewhere in the UK.”

The free guide can be downloaded here.