"This rise of the young landlord is reshaping the private rental landscape and bringing a fresh, data-driven approach to property investment"
- John Minnis - John Minnis estate agents
Belfast has been named the number one property investment location in the UK, according to Northern Irish property expert John Minnis. The founder of John Minnis Estate Agents outlined his top five regional predictions for landlords over the next 12 months, highlighting where he expects the strongest returns for buy-to-let investors.
The shortlist points to ongoing changes in the UK’s rental market, with shifts in tenant demand, rising yields, and evolving landlord demographics all playing a role in shaping the outlook.
Top five regions to watch in 2025–2026:
Belfast Metropolitan Area, Northern Ireland
Rental demand continues to outpace supply in the Northern Irish capital, driven by regeneration efforts in areas such as the Titanic Quarter and a large student population. Yields remain among the highest in the UK.
Manchester, North West England
The city’s expanding tech and creative industries, combined with major infrastructure upgrades like HS2, are supporting long-term rental growth. Demand from young professionals remains strong.
Bristol, South West England
Known for its appeal among remote workers and environmentally conscious renters, Bristol offers tenant stability and steady returns for landlords focused on longer-term leases.
Leeds, West Yorkshire
As a key university city and financial hub, Leeds continues to show a favourable balance of capital appreciation and rental income. Suburban areas such as Headingley and Horsforth are emerging as strong buy-to-let markets.
Bangor & North Down, Northern Ireland
Improved connections to Belfast and increasing interest in coastal living are driving rental demand in this region. Growth is being fuelled by both family tenants and remote workers seeking quality of life outside the city.
Younger landlords entering the market
According to Minnis, a generational shift is underway in the landlord profile, with more under-35s entering the sector.
“We’re seeing a distinct shift in the landlord demographic – more young professionals in their 20s and early 30s are choosing to buy a second property to rent out rather than purchasing a home for themselves,” he said. “They view property as a strategic investment rather than a lifestyle decision. This rise of the young landlord is reshaping the private rental landscape and bringing a fresh, data-driven approach to property investment.”
The shift comes as many younger investors look to rental property as a more realistic and flexible financial option, especially in the face of high mortgage rates and deposit requirements.
Minnis noted a rising awareness of financial planning among younger generations: “An increasing number of young people are also investing their earnings, working capital and inheritance in property more than ever before due to an ‘increased awareness of wealth-building’ and ‘wealth management.’”
A report by Paragon Bank supports this trend. It found that in 2023, 31% of new buy-to-let mortgages were taken out by landlords in their 30s, up from 21% in 2014. The proportion of landlords aged 18–29 also increased.
As affordability, flexibility, and lifestyle continue to shape both tenant and investor behaviour, the regions identified by Minnis are expected to offer strong opportunities for long-term growth.
