Home ownership was once not only a dream, but an expectation. Even as little as 15 years ago, almost everyone who wanted to was expected to own their own home at some point in their lives. Now however, owning a home is out of reach for many, leaving them wondering if they’ll ever make it onto the property ladder.
Despite all the negative press about the renting cycle many find themselves trapped in, there are benefits to renting that many fail to realise when they’re fixated on getting their foot onto the property ladder. Flexibility, no worries about fluctuating markets and no ongoing upkeep costs are all pros to renting as opposed to buying.
London is the hotspot for landlords, mainly due to house prices being much higher than the national average. However with average rents coming in at £2,822pcm, London is rapidly pricing normal working people out of the city. But London is not the be-all-and-end-all; there’s 68 other cities around the UK, all offering something for the city-lover. With that in mind, we’ve highlighted our top five cities in the UK to rent a home. All these come with excellent job prospects, all the amenities and attractions of the capital and most importantly, don’t break the bank.
Manchester
Manchester is a buzzing city. Growing almost daily, it boasts incredible job prospects – specifically for the fashion and creative industries. Put that together with an unrivalled shopping centre, a nightlife full of cosmopolitan bars, clubs, eateries and traditional pubs and restaurants, and historic buildings that leave visitors in awe, but mixed with the modern architecture of any vibrant city, and you’ll soon realise that Manchester is a real jewel in the British Crown. Yet despite giving London a run for its money, Manchester still offers excellent value for money for renters. Average rents in the city are £913 pcm, with two bedroomed places coming in just above at £915 pcm. This is less than half what the Capital commands.
Cardiff
The port city located in south Wales has grown in importance significantly over the last 10 years. Investment in amenities and transport links has catapulted the city to new heights. The rejuvenated waterfront at Cardiff Bay includes one of the most famous stages, the Wales Millennium Centre, which is home of the national opera, orchestra, theatre and dance companies. It also boasts a plethora of electrifying shops, cafes, and restaurants at the city’s captivating Mermaid Quay. Rents in the city come in at an average of £1,065 pcm, and two bedroom properties will set you back just £835 pcm, which makes it one of the cheapest on our list!
St Albans
A somewhat controversial entry on our list, St Albans is not usually one of the first cities you think about when looking for buzzing cities, but stunning St Albans has a lot going for it. The perfect base if you’re not ready to leave London behind completely, it lies just 25 miles north of the Capital, and takes just 21 minutes by train to get to the Big Smoke. Not dissimilar to York, the city’s lively history is detailed in the Roman remains and the striking medieval architecture. And that’s not all; it offers lush green parks and countryside – something in short supply in many cities, an active metropolis and a remarkable shopping centre complete with small independent shops nestled among the popular high street stores. It’s also a foodie’s dream thanks to a fantastic range of eating and drinking establishments. For those looking to take a piece of the St Albans action, average rents are £1,346 pcm, with two bedroom properties likely to set you back around £1,312 pcm.
Aberdeen
Scotland’s third city, it is nestled high up in the northeast of the country. Known as the ‘Granite City’, it is one of the UK’s most striking cities – especially when the sun is shining. It boasts a bustling high street and renowned nightlife to suit all tastes, and its unique atmosphere likened to nowhere else makes Aberdeen the perfect choice for people of all ages wanting a city life, but with a twist. And those looking for value for money will also be thrilled, as average rents in Aberdeen come in at £879 pcm. And a two bedroom place comes in even lower, at £761 pcm.
York
York is as famous as it is old. A walled city that was founded by the ancient Romans, its 13th-century Gothic cathedral, York Minster, is one of the most stunning buildings in the whole country. Coupled with the historic Shambles that contains a mixture of galleries, one-off shops and chain stores, it has a shopping centre to rival any large city. And the nightlife is also one of the best, with a mix of traditional and quirky pubs dating back centuries and modern chains serving the finest drinks this side of the River Ouse. Job opportunities are aplenty, with offices dotted around the city, as well as a plethora of tourist and hospitality jobs on offer. Average rents in the magnificent city are £1,097 pcm, with two bedroom properties setting renters back an average of £1,131 pcm.
Does your city offer great value for money? Let us know!
