Sir David Higgins’ support of HS3 gives more weight to the ongoing “Northern Powerhouse” project and also consolidates key northern cities as buy-to-let investment hot-spots, argues property investment specialist Assetz for Investors.
Stuart Law, CEO at Assetz for Investors comments: “The prospect of future infrastructure projects such as HS3 will encourage more talent to stay in, or move to, northern cities as businesses chose to locate themselves centrally with easy access to other areas. The opportunities in property investment are strong and will continue to be so with demand set to increase.”
Assetz is already seeing a surge in investor registrations, particularly for key student cities including Manchester and York. Registrations are up 320% over the last five years and 360% specifically for overseas investors.
Further analysis shows that net yields achievable from bespoke student accommodation are far greater than for other types of property investment in key locations, with net yields approximately three percentage points higher for student investment.
Stuart Law continued: “More investors, both UK and overseas, are heading North for strong yields – which are far better than London and the South East – and are showing a particular interest in bespoke student stock. Traditional student cities, including Manchester, are top for investment and the strength of the local property market is set to grow as leading companies relocate around the new ‘Powerhouse’. Savvy young investors ought to watch these future infrastructure improvements closely.
Proposed improved transport links and prime opportunities for long-term investment will see far more talent grown at the top universities in the North stay put rather than currently with the majority of graduates gravitating South.”
