"This sustained demand will underpin growth in both rental and sales markets, creating significant opportunities for buyers, renters and investors alike"
- John Minnis - John Minnis estate agents
Belfast-based estate agency John Minnis has reported that Northern Ireland is expected to see 25,000–30,000 new arrivals from the UK and Europe over the next five years, as migration to the region reaches its highest level in more than a decade.
Figures show that 11,700 people moved from other parts of the UK to Northern Ireland in the year ending mid-2023, with migration in 2024 reaching a 15-year high. The agency notes that this trend is being driven by a mix of affordability, lifestyle benefits and strong education, making Northern Ireland an increasingly appealing option for families, professionals and investors.
Housing affordability is a major advantage. The average house price in Northern Ireland is £185,000, compared with £291,000 in England, £210,000 in Wales, and £192,000 in Scotland, representing roughly a 64% gap with England.
John Minnis, founder of John Minnis estate agents, said, “This level of affordability enables first-time buyers to enter the property market earlier, gives families access to larger homes with outdoor space and provides investors with significantly stronger returns compared to other parts of the UK. Everyday living costs, including groceries, utilities and childcare, also remain lower than in many British cities, further strengthening Northern Ireland’s appeal.”
Education is another key factor attracting new residents. Northern Ireland’s schools consistently outperform those in England, Wales and Scotland, with strong academic results and high examination scores. Families relocating often cite this as a decisive consideration, alongside the wide choice of grammar and integrated schools.
The rising demand is also creating clear opportunities for property investors. Research from John Minnis shows that Belfast offers rental yields of around 6.8%, the highest in the region, while Derry/Londonderry is at approximately 4.3% and Newry at about 2.7%, surpassing returns in many major UK cities.
“With migration at a 15-year high, we expect Northern Ireland to welcome a further 25,000–30,000 people from the UK and Europe over the next five years,” said John Minnis, founder of the Belfast-based estate agents. “This sustained demand will underpin growth in both rental and sales markets, creating significant opportunities for buyers, renters and investors alike. As an estate agent that has operated for over 20 years, we’ve never seen such high demand from buyers and investors from all over the world.”
