Rental demand is outstripping supply in Belfast, with regeneration projects in the Titanic Quarter and high student populations fuelling activity.
As a result, buy-to-let yields are among the highest in the UK.
John Minnis, founder of John Minnis Estate Agents, dubbed Belfast the top region landlords look out for in the next 12 months.
Manchester is ranked as the English hotspot. The city is a booming tech and creative centre, with purpose-built rental schemes and transport upgrades like HS2 leading John Minnis to label it ‘a landlord’s paradise’.
John Minnis said: “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.
“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.”
Other areas dubbed hotspots are Bristol, Leeds and Bangor.
Bristol is a strong pick for eco-conscious renters and tends to attract those who stay long-term.
Leeds has a strong combination of capital growth and rental growth, particularly in areas like Headingley and Horsforth.
Bangor has improved transport links to Belfast, while families and remote workers are being attracted to the area.
Younger landlords driving market evolution
Due to high deposit requirements and mortgage rates, many young people now view property investment as a much more viable financial strategy than homeownership, as experts at John Minnis said they are seeing an increasing number of young people preferring to invest money into a property for rental purposes rather than buying their own home.
A report from Paragon Bank indicates a decrease in the average age of buy-to-let landlords, driven by growth in the proportion of landlords in their 30s.
In 2023, 31% of new buy-to-let mortgages were acquired by those in their 30s, compared to 21% in 2014. Landlords aged 18-29 also saw an increase in their share of purchases.