Multi-Million Pound

Regeneration

Regeneration in Leicester is scaling up the city, leading to the city’s business growth outperforming the national average, and major cities such as London, Birmingham, and Nottingham. Leicester and the wider region of Leicestershire have been undergoing multi-million-pound regeneration. Making the area an incredible investment hotspot over the last five years. 

Upcoming projects have now received funding from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to further develop the area. Some of the regeneration projects in Leicester are:

Leicester Waterside Project

Leicester Waterside is a project aiming to regenerate an industrial site spanning 150 acres in the heart of the city, that has become neglected. This project is located northwest of the centre where the River Soar and Grand Union Canal run through the city. Ambitious plans for this area aim to introduce a vibrant neighbourhood with incredible places to live and an area for businesses to excel. 

Connecting St Margaret’s

This Leicester regeneration project is outside the new St Margaret’s Bus Station, so the focus of this regeneration will be on prioritising bus movements in the city centre. Furthermore, the surface-level junction will be redesigned to include green spaces and enhanced pedestrian facilities. Cycleways will be added throughout, connecting existing routes and improving city-wide cycling access. The project will create high-quality pedestrian and cycling links between the city centre and other key areas.

Leicester Railway Station

Leicester station is undergoing a £22 million project that will introduce upgraded passenger facilities. As part of the plan, the main entrance will be relocated from London Road to Station Street, which will be off-limits to traffic and transformed into a new pedestrian plaza. This public space will serve as a more welcoming and accessible gateway to the city. Additionally, the glass-roofed porte-cochère will be refurbished to create an appealing space for cafes, bars, or retail outlets.

Leicester city view

Below Average Prices and

Strong Returns

Properties for sale in Leicester sold for an average of £264,345 in the last 12 months. This is below the UK average, currently £293,000, creating a more accessible entry point for investors. With an average rental yield of 4.19%, paired with an average annual rental growth of 3.02%, property in Leicester offers attractive returns for investors seeking both capital growth and rental income.

In addition to competitive prices, the rental market in Leicester has shown robust growth. The price of property for rent in Leicester has increased to £938 PCM from £838 in 2023, showing an impressive growth of 12% annually. This increase highlights the strong demand for rental properties in Leicester, driven by the city’s growing population, student base, and ongoing urban development.

Leicester is one of the fastest-growing cities in England, with its population increasing by 11.8% since 2011. The metro area’s population is projected to reach 571,000 in 2024, reflecting a growth of 0.88% from 2023. This steady population growth underscores the city’s rising demand for housing, making it an attractive market for property investment.

A Student Hub

Leicester is home to three major universities: the University of Leicester, Loughborough University, and De Montfort University, which attract a large student population. This high demand from students has created a competitive rental market, driving up rental prices and ensuring consistent tenants for landlords.

Additionally, Leicester boasts a strong graduate employment rate, with over 94% of graduates either securing employment or continuing their studies within six months of graduation. This rate contributes to a growing population of working professionals in the city, further boosting demand for property in Leicester. 

For investors, this creates a favourable environment for both capital appreciation and strong rental yields. With rising demand for both student and professional accommodation, property prices and private rents are expected to increase, offering the potential for solid long-term returns. 

Transport Links

Leicester is located in the heart of England making it an exceptionally attractive investment destination, offering easy access to key cities and markets across the country. The city is well-connected by both road and rail, ensuring seamless transportation links for residents and businesses alike.

Leicester train station offers direct services to London St Pancras in just one hour, while major cities such as Birmingham (48 minutes), Sheffield (52 minutes), and Manchester (1 hour 55 minutes) are all within easy reach. This connectivity enhances Leicester’s appeal to commuters, workers, and students, ensuring high demand for rental properties.

In addition to excellent rail links, Leicester is close to four major motorways, the M1, M6, M42, and M69, placing 90% of the UK population within a four-hour drive. This makes Leicester an ideal location for businesses and investors looking to access a wide customer base and talent pool.

For international connectivity, Leicester benefits from its proximity to East Midlands Airport, which offers a variety of national and international flights. This access to global markets and transport hubs further strengthens Leicester’s position as a hub for both business and leisure.

Catering To All Lifestyles:

Amenities

Leicester offers a wide range of amenities that make it an appealing location for both residents and investors. The city boasts excellent retail options, including the Highcross Shopping Centre, Haymarket Shopping Centre, and a variety of independent shops and boutiques.

For leisure and entertainment, Leicester is home to numerous parks, sports facilities, and cultural attractions such as the Leicester Museum & Art Gallery, the Curve Theatre, and the King Power Stadium. The city’s dining scene is also diverse, with a range of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world. 

In addition, Leicester benefits from strong healthcare provision, with several hospitals, clinics, and medical centres. Education is another key strength, with top universities like the University of Leicester and De Montfort University attracting students from across the globe. With its vibrant mix of cultural, and practical amenities, Leicester is a city that offers a high quality of life and a strong market for investment.

The Birthplace of

Popular Tourism

Thomas Cook, widely known as the founder of modern tourism, created his international travel company in 1841. His first successful venture was a one-day rail trip from Leicester to Loughborough in July. This pioneering trip is considered the birth of organised tourism, earning Leicester the title of the ‘birthplace of tourism‘ a legacy that would shape the global travel industry.

Just a short walk from Leicester’s iconic Clock Tower, the historic ‘Thomas Cook Building’ is where Cook and his family lived and worked. This site remains a key landmark in the city’s rich history of travel and tourism.

Today, Leicester honours Thomas Cook with a statue located outside the Railway Station. Marking the location of the landmark event that began a revolutionary new era in travel.

Thomas Cook Leicester

In conclusion, Leicester offers a highly attractive proposition for property investors, thanks to its affordable property prices, strong rental yields, and consistent rental growth. The city’s expanding population, driven by a growing student base, a rising number of young professionals, and ongoing regeneration efforts, ensures sustained demand for housing. 

With major infrastructure projects improving transport links and further enhancing the city’s appeal, Leicester’s property market is well-positioned for both short-term returns and long-term capital appreciation. For investors seeking a dynamic and profitable market, Leicester property provides an ideal mix of affordability, growth potential, and high demand, making it an excellent choice for property investment.

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