Why Invest in Leicester?
Leicester is a fast-growing part of the country, which bodes really well for property investors. The current (2023) metro area population is around 566,000, which is an increase of 0.71% from 2022. The UN predicts that this number will rise to 506,000 by 2030.
Leicester has an industrial past, best known as a manufacturing centre for footwear, hosiery and textiles… it used to be said that Leicester clothes the world. Today it has a strong, modern economy based on light manufacturing, services and distribution – so good news for employment numbers and the property market.
Leicester is home to some of the UK’s biggest employers including Next, Sytner Group, Dunelm and Walkers who – and here’s a little-known fact for you – operate the largest crisp factory in the world!
According to this year’s (2023) Good Growth for Cities Index it is also the best city in the East Midlands in which to work and live. The report takes into consideration five top factors, namely income distribution, income, safety, work-life balance and jobs.
More good news for the property market is that the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust is one of the biggest and busiest NHS Trusts in the country, employing 15,000 people.
As you might expect, Leicester is a popular student city – it is apparently one of the UK’s top 3 student cities so the student accommodation market is strong. The University of Leicester has around 17,000 students. De Montfort University or DMU has around 22,000.
Both Leicester universities have campuses on the fringe of the city centre with many student accommodation blocks here. Popular areas for privately rented student accommodation include Clarendon Park/Knighton, Stoneygate, North Evington/Evington, Highfields, Aylestone Park/Knighton Fields, Oadby, West End plus the city centre itself.