UK property market forecast: Capital and rental growth projections

The UK property market continues to be a focal point for investors, both for its potential for capital appreciation and consistent rental income. Despite broader economic challenges, including inflation and interest rate hikes, property remains an attractive long-term investment option. Investors are increasingly looking at regional cities with strong growth potential in both capital and rental terms, driven by urban regeneration, local economic growth, and rising demand for housing.

In this article, we'll explore capital and rental growth forecasts for the UK, identify the top 5 cities for investment, and discuss how platforms like Crowdfolio.co.uk can help both novice and seasoned investors tap into these opportunities.

Capital growth: A look ahead

Capital growth refers to the increase in property values over time, which is a key metric for investors looking to build wealth through property. Despite fluctuations in the market, many regions in the UK are forecasted to experience moderate to strong capital growth over the next few years, driven by factors like:

• Urban regeneration projects

• Growing local economies

• Increased demand for housing

According to Savills, house prices across the UK are projected to rise by an average of 5.6% over the next 5 years, with some areas outperforming this figure, particularly in the North and Midlands.

Rental growth: Robust demand drives returns

While capital appreciation is important, rental growth provides investors with consistent income. Rental yields in some cities are forecasted to increase sharply due to the ongoing housing shortage and rising tenant demand. Across the UK, rents are expected to grow by an average of 20% over the next 5 years according to JLL’s UK Living Capital Markets Report.

Rising interest rates and affordability issues for first-time buyers mean more people are staying in the rental market longer, further driving demand. For investors, this translates into rising rental yields and an opportunity to generate strong returns from buy-to-let properties.

Top 5 UK cities for property investment: Capital and rental growth

Let’s dive into the top 5 cities that are forecasted to deliver strong capital and rental growth in the coming years. These cities combine attractive housing markets, urban regeneration, and strong local economies that make them standout choices for property investment.

1. Manchester

• Capital Growth Forecast: 7% over the next 5 years.

• Rental Growth Forecast: 21% over the next 5 years.

Manchester continues to be a property investment hotspot, thanks to its thriving economy, massive regeneration projects, and status as a hub for young professionals. The Northern Powerhouse initiative and ongoing infrastructure improvements, such as the HS2 rail link, are expected to fuel further demand for housing, boosting both capital values and rental yields.

2. Birmingham

• Capital Growth Forecast: 6.5% over the next 5 years.

• Rental Growth Forecast: 20% over the next 5 years.

As the UK’s second-largest city, Birmingham is undergoing significant regeneration, including the Big City Plan and HS2 development. These projects are driving demand for housing, particularly in the city centre. Birmingham’s thriving tech and financial sectors are also drawing young professionals, pushing up rental prices and property values.

3. Leeds

• Capital Growth Forecast: 6% over the next 5 years.

• Rental Growth Forecast: 18% over the next 5 years.

Leeds is another Northern Powerhouse city benefiting from large-scale regeneration and infrastructure improvements. With a booming financial sector and the planned South Bank Leeds development, which will double the size of the city centre, demand for housing is surging. Investors can expect strong rental yields alongside steady capital growth.

4. Bristol

• Capital Growth Forecast: 5.8% over the next 5 years.

• Rental Growth Forecast: 17% over the next 5 years.

Bristol has a robust economy driven by sectors such as technology, aerospace, and financial services. The city is increasingly popular among young professionals and families due to its lifestyle appeal. This has led to increasing demand for housing, both for renters and buyers, pushing property prices and rents steadily upwards.

5. Liverpool

• Capital Growth Forecast: 5.5% over the next 5 years.

• Rental Growth Forecast: 19% over the next 5 years.

Liverpool is experiencing a transformation thanks to large-scale regeneration projects like Liverpool Waters and the Knowledge Quarter. With relatively affordable property prices compared to other major UK cities, Liverpool offers investors the potential for high rental yields and strong capital growth as demand for housing intensifies.

How Crowdfolio can help investors capitalise

Crowdfolio.co.uk is a property crowdfunding platform that allows investors to tap into the UK property market with relatively low capital outlay. Here’s how Crowdfolio can help investors benefit from both capital and rental growth:

1. Access to High-Growth Cities

Crowdfolio sources properties in some of the UK’s most promising cities, such as Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool, where both capital appreciation and rental demand are forecasted to be strong. By investing in these areas, investors can take advantage of rising property values and increasing rental yields.

2. Lower Barriers to Entry

One of Crowdfolio’s key advantages is its low minimum investment threshold—typically £1,000. This opens the door to property investment for those who may not have the capital to buy an entire property outright, allowing them to own a share of properties in high-growth markets.

3. Diversification

With Crowdfolio, investors can spread their investment across multiple properties, reducing risk while still benefiting from the growth trends in key cities. By investing in a portfolio of properties, you can minimise the impact of any single property underperforming, while still tapping into the broader UK property market.

4. Passive Income through Rental Yields

Crowdfolio handles the entire property management process, from refurbishment to letting. Investors receive monthly rental income without needing to manage tenants, properties, or maintenance issues themselves. With the forecasted rental growth in the cities Crowdfolio operates in, investors can expect to see steady returns.

5. Capital Appreciation

In addition to rental income, Crowdfolio properties are chosen for their capital growth potential. By investing in properties located in cities with strong economic growth and ongoing regeneration projects, investors stand to benefit from long-term increases in property value.

6. Transparency and Simplicity

Crowdfolio provides investors with detailed reports on each property, outlining both the expected rental yield and potential for capital growth. This transparency helps investors make informed decisions and understand the returns they can expect, all within a fully managed platform.

Conclusion: Seizing the opportunity with Crowdfolio

As the UK property market continues to evolve, regional cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool stand out as key areas for investment, offering strong potential for both capital growth and rental yield. Platforms like Crowdfolio make it easier than ever for investors to participate in these markets, with low entry costs and fully managed investment options.

By focusing on high-growth cities and offering access to both capital appreciation and consistent rental income, Crowdfolio provides a unique opportunity for property investors to build wealth in the UK’s thriving property market—without the usual hassle of managing properties directly.

Now is the time to explore these opportunities and start building a diverse, income-generating property portfolio with Crowdfolio.