A prominent agent has identified three potential buy to let hotspots.
John Minnis, founder of John Minnis Estate Agents – a prominent agency in Northern Ireland – says:“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.
“Areas like Derry/Londonderry City & Strabane and Fermanagh are no longer under the radar – they are delivering real, measurable performance in terms of capital growth, and investors are taking notice.
“The key driver across all of these markets is the same: demand continues to outstrip supply. Whether it’s tenants competing for rental homes in Belfast or buyers seeking value in regional areas, the imbalance is creating upward pressure on both rents and prices.”
He says that for investors, Northern Ireland offers a unique proposition.
There are still 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: he adds.
His tips:
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.
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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.
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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.