The winners and losers of Manchester’s billion pound property boom

Manctopia: Billion Pound Property Boom is on at 9pm, Tuesday 18th August on BBC2.

Manchester is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe. By 2025, its population is expected to surpass 635,000, with an extra 100,000 people expected to be residing in the city centre.

It’s in the middle of a property boom – just count the cranes. And it hasn’t slowed down, even through lockdown.

The city centre has seen a significant amount of regeneration, especially in areas like Deansgate and NOMA. The Manchester skyline is being transformed as more high rises are built.

The construction boom has been led by the residential sector. There has been a strong demand for housing across Manchester, with demand continuing to exceed supply.

And with a huge student population thanks to its four universities and one of the highest retention rates in the UK for students and graduates, there is a need for more student housing in Manchester as well.

With impressive levels of construction, development and investment coming to the Northern Powerhouse, Manchester just keeps on building.

But what does this mean for the people of Manchester?

The many benefits coming out of the building and redevelopment include a thriving economy and an increase in local employment opportunities, so there are plenty of winners.

But what about the losers, like people who are being priced out of the market?

Manctopia: Billion Pound Property Boom, a new four-part series starting on BBC2 on Tuesday, will look at both sides of Manchester’s property boom.

Manctopia: Billion Pound Property Boom is on BBC2 on Tuesday 18th August at 9pm.