The return to the office, at least for a few days a week, is underway. Now that the Government’s official “stay at home” advice has been lifted, many office workers are flooding back into city centres, alongside students who are returning to in-person classes across Britain.
As a result, we’re seeing demand for rental homes in key city locations rise by as much as 70% compared to this time last year when working from home and online lectures were the new norm.
Take a look at the hottest rental locations outside London.
1. Clifton, Bristol
The hottest rental market in Britain is leafy Clifton, where rental demand is up by 71%. The area is packed with gorgeous Georgian houses or period flats which have the double benefit of being within walking distance of the city centre, and also close to Bristol University and a good choice of local pubs, cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Search for houses and flats to rent in Clifton, Bristol
2. Hockley, Birmingham
Hockley in Birmingham takes second place, with a jump in demand of 64% in a year as renters rush to live on the outskirts of the trendy Jewellery Quarter, with its bars and cafes, and a half hour walk, or seven minute train ride, to the city centre.
Hockley is also close to Birmingham City Hospital, one of the city’s major employers. Its streets of period terraces and flats are quiet, and it is better value than living even half a mile closer to town.
Search for houses and flats to rent in Hockley, Birmingham
3. Didsbury, Manchester
The affluent commuter neighbourhood of Didsbury, just over five miles (or a seven-minute train ride) south of Manchester’s city centre, has long been a hotspot.
Didsbury still has a real urban village feel, several lovely parks and an annual summer festival, although its independent shops are slowly but surely being driven out by chains. Property wise there is a good mix of modern purpose built flats, and period houses and flats.
Interest from renters is up 62 per cent in Didsbury, tying it with neighbouring Withington in the demand stakes.
Search for houses and flats to rent in Didsbury, Manchester
4. Withington, Manchester
Despite being only a couple of miles apart, Withington has a more urban feel than its neighbour, but it is hugely popular with young families, professionals (who can take the tram to work), and university students. Its high street has useful local shops, plus lots of restaurants.
Search for houses and flats to rent in Withington, Manchester
5. Edinburgh
The fifth rental hotspot on today’s league table is north of the border. The beautiful university city of Edinburgh has seen demand rise by 58 per cent.
What with its historic UNESCO World Heritage centre, villagey suburbs like Stockbridge, and even the seaside at Portobello this is truly a “something for everyone” option.
Search for houses and flats to rent in Edinburgh
Top 10 rental property hotspots (outside London)
| Area | Year-on-year % change in demand |
|---|---|
| 1. Clifton, Bristol | 71% |
| 2. Hockley, Birmingham | 64% |
| 3. Didsbury, Manchester | 62% |
| 4. Withington, Manchester | 62% |
| 5. Edinburgh | 58% |
| 6. York, North Yorkshire | 56% |
| 7. Beeston, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire | 53% |
| 8. Hulme, Manchester | 52% |
| 9. Bootle, Merseyside | 45% |
| 10. Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset | 44% |
The header image for this article is provided courtesy of The Bristol Residential Letting Co, Clifton
