A City Clearly United

Rupert Smith of Complete RPI discusses the unique property opportunities in the northern English city of Manchester

Like all investments I am of the view that diversity is key and with residential investment in the UK the same principles apply. Investing in a mixture of both capital growth and yield-driven opportunity is always wise in my view, utilising the yield play to service debt on the lesser yielding is a pragmatic approach.

Location, location, location - that’s all we seem to hear! But when transport infrastructure and regeneration in conjunction with international airline connections to Hong Kong, the mix is truly unique.

Cathay Pacific Airways has now launched a four-times-weekly service to Manchester!

Located in north-west England, Manchester is a regional transport and business hub that is renowned for its architecture, culture, industrial heritage and sports clubs. Manchester International Airport is ranked third in the UK, after Heathrow and Gatwick, in terms of passenger throughput and has high potential for further growth.

The Manchester service is operated by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft featuring Cathay Pacific’s acclaimed new cabin products, including the awarding-winning Business Class, Premium Economy Class and the new Economy Class seats. Flights depart from Hong Kong to Manchester every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Departures from Manchester are also on these days.

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Ivan Chu said: "We have a deep commitment to the UK market and currently operate five flights a day to London Heathrow. Business ties between the UK and Hong Kong are very strong and we have been seeing an ever-increasing demand for air travel to and from the Asia Pacific region for both business and leisure traffic.

"By providing yet more flights to the UK, and the only non-stop direct service between Hong Kong and Manchester, Cathay Pacific will offer passengers even more choice and flexibility and, at the same time, continue to boost Hong Kong’s standing as an international aviation hub."

If you thought the UK investment property market was all about London, then think again. Manchester is turning the tables. The northern city, famed for its music, football and former industrial glory showed the strongest growth in house prices in 2013, according to a survey by Nationwide Building Society.

Residential values increased by 21% against the national average rise of 8.4% -making London’s 13% recorded growth look, at best, modest.

The driving forces behind Manchester’s much vaunted return to prosperity lie in the city’s innovative civic leadership who geared every policy and initiative to urban regeneration and growth - a strategy that has procured the city’s claim to be the largest UK office market outside of London. Put simply, Manchester is a place to do business and the list of new corporate HQs and relocations lay testament to this. And with new companies, come new people who all need somewhere to live!

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