Manchester has claimed the crown as the UK’s leading city for renters in 2025, with a striking 62 per cent of households now leasing their homes, outpacing even London in its proportion of rented properties.
A new study by Property Investments UK highlights this shift, showing the residential rental sector has ballooned threefold, with over a third of households nationwide now renting, mostly from private landlords.
The research, which dug into key indicators like the total number of rented homes, paints a vivid picture of Britain’s housing market.
While London still boasts the highest volume of rented properties—over 1.8 million—Manchester’s dominance by percentage underscores its rapid rise as a rental powerhouse.
The findings signal the unstoppable momentum of “generation rent,” with no slowdown in sight for 2025.
The UK’s most renter-heavy cities ranked
- Southampton, 52,391 rented properties, 51% rented
- Manchester, 133,126 rented properties, 62% rented
- Norwich, 36,985 rented properties, 57% rented
- Nottingham, 67,819 rented properties, 54% rented
- Cambridge, 28,471 rented properties, 53% rented
- London, 1,822,840 rented properties, 53% rented
- Oxford, 29,411 rented properties, 53% rented
- Leicester, 67,297 rented properties, 53% rented
- Liverpool, 109,072 rented properties, 53% rented
- Salford, 60,403 rented properties, 53% rented
This surge in renting reflects deeper changes in lifestyle and economic pressures rippling through major UK cities.
For a growing number of young Britons, renting has shifted from a stopgap to a permanent fixture in their housing plans.
Cities that strike the right chord with affordability, tenant satisfaction, and strong transport links are emerging as the nation’s rental hotspots.
Real estate specialists at Property Investments UK pinpointed what sets Manchester apart.
“Manchester’s appeal as a rental hotspot lies in its dynamic mix of culture, connectivity, and opportunity,” they said.
“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.”
As the rental market continues its dramatic expansion, Manchester’s blend of accessibility and allure is redefining where Britain’s renters—and investors—are turning their attention in 2025.