Manchester has once again topped the buy-to-let investment rankings as the best city for new investments in 2026, beating Glasgow, Coventry and Wigan, with Nottingham in fifth place.
The ranking, published in Aldermore’s latest Buy to Let City Tracker, assesses locations based on five key indicators that influence investment performance. These include average rental income, rental yields, long-term house price growth, vacancy rates, and the proportion of residents currently renting.
Manchester’s continued top ranking reflects both its strong capital growth and sustained tenant demand. According to the report, Manchester house prices are rising rapidly, at an annual average rate of 6.5% or more, far above the UK average of 1.3% for 2026.
With 32% of the city’s population now renting, rental demand in Manchester is strong for high-quality, premium long-term lettings in the city centre. This is largely driven by the city’s growing professional population, major regeneration projects, and thriving economy.
Jon Cooper, director of mortgages at Aldermore, said: “Unlike previous years, this year’s Buy to Let City Tracker has seen noticeably less reshuffling within the top ten, suggesting the market is beginning to stabilise. That relative consistency comes despite a more challenging backdrop for landlords, both economically and because of more restrictive regulations.”
For investors seeking long-term growth and strong rental demand, Manchester continues to stand out as one of the strongest locations in the UK. To learn more about investment opportunities in the city, contact Select Property.