I know we can be a bit biased about our beloved Manchester but here’s proof why it’s not just us that think it’s a fantastic place to both live and work in.
Over the last 15 years Manchester has definitely become the UK’s “2nd city” and has gained popularity and rapidly becoming the preferred choice for many businesses to relocate in outside London.
Why Is This So?
Manchester has all the key ingredients that any employer is looking for when choosing a place to re locate its offices.
Whether it’s a gleaming skyscraper or a purpose built office in a business park Manchester has it well and truly covered.
So what makes Manchester so special?
- A proven track record in all major industries
- A growing, highly qualified skill base
- Excellent transport links
- A vibrant and exciting city centre social scene
- Much cheaper office costs than in London
It’s not just UK based businesses that are choosing Manchester as home to their Global headquarters.
Global Headquarters to brands such as Umbro, PZ Cussons & The Co-operative Group.
European Headquarters – Brother, new arrivals Etihad (from the UAE), Aegis from India.
UK Headquarters – Kelloggs, Adidas, Siemens & Totesport
This is also backed by recent decisions to re locate major parts of the BBC plus growth of shared service centres for Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer and Royal Bank of Scotland.
Manchester seems the obvious choice having an already huge and established professional and financial network added to which each year 30,000 new graduates from Manchester’s 5 universities.
In addition to the amazing workforce, Manchester’s unrivalled international transport links draw businesses to Manchester. No other airport serves as many places as Manchester with 220 destinations, add to which the fast and frequent rail links to most other UK cities, an advanced motorway structure and office costs that are at least a third lower than in London, it’s clear to see why Manchester is becoming the location of choice for business too.
So with that in mind I asked Rob Cuffe, Director of Philip James’s City Centre branch what makes the residential market so buyout for lettings and sales?
“Over the past 10 years we have seen a tremendous amount of growth in the city and this has attracted a lot of people looking to rent here. Due to the property crash of 2007 only a small number of new developments have been built but the demand has continued to increase meaning the rental prices has risen year on year.
We are now seeing cranes back on the city centre skyline and developments popping up everywhere, the sales market has change dramatically over the past 6 months and we are getting instructed and selling more properties than ever from our city centre office.
Prices Are Rising…
Prices are rising on what feels like a weekly basis and our phones just keeping ringing. There is an appetite for all different type of properties from studio apartments, penthouses, new builds and conversions. We are having a great year to date and I believe that it is only going to get better.”
Here’s just a small sample of four business friendly developments here in the city centre:-
Leftbank Apartments
Situated in the heart of the thriving Spinningfields business district of the city centre. The prestigious Leftbank Apartments occupy a prime riverside location along the banks of the River Irwell. Literally a two minute walk from Deansgate and the main shopping centre.
RENT – 1 bed £800
RENT – 2 Bed £1100+
Leftbank 1 beds – starting prices from £160,000.00 offering returns of 6%
Leftbank 2 beds – Starting prices from £185,000.00 offering returns of 7%
The Green Quarter
Green Quarter offers high specification, contemporary urban living. The studios, one and two bedroom apartments provide stunning views towards the dramatic skyline of the City.
A mix of commercial, residential and leisure facilities make this mixed use development, built by leading property developer Lend Lease , an ideal location.
RENT – 1 bed £725
RENT – 2 Bed £800+
Great Northern tower 1 beds – starting prices from £140,000.00 offering returns of 7.7%
Great Northern tower 2 beds – starting prices from £185,000.00 offering returns of 7%
The Great Northern Tower
257 Apartments located on Watson St just off Deansgate. Completed in 2007 and designed by Assael Architecture this luxury 25 storey, 72 metre tall development is the 6th tallest building in Manchester. Situated right next to Manchester Central Convention Complex.
RENT – 1 bed £900
RENT – 2 Bed £1100+
Green Quarter 1 beds – starting prices from £115,000.00 offering returns of 7.5%
Green Quarter 2 beds – starting prices from £130,000.00 offering returns of 7%
The Quadrangle
The Quadrangle is based on Lower Ormond Street is in close proximity to Oxford Road and the centre of Manchester, making it a perfect development for those who want to be just minutes away from Manchester’s fantastic shopping centre and nighlife.
Located next to Manchester University and Manchester Metropolitan University and just a short stroll from Oxford Rd train station.
RENT 1 bed £750
RENT 2 Bed £900+
The Quadrangle 1 beds – starting prices from £120,00.00 offering returns of 7%
The Quadrangle 2 beds – starting prices from £140,000.00 offering returns of 7%
At Philip James we have some of Manchester’s most exciting developments in great locations. If you want to know more about how we can help you find the right property for you and your business call Rob Cuffe on 0161 828 8200 or email rob.cuffe@philipjames.co.uk
Rob Cuffe