Leicester
Airbnb Property Marketing Specialists
The Leicester property market is a thriving and exciting place to invest, offering opportunities for both short-term and long-term rental income. The city has seen significant growth in recent years, with a population that is now estimated to be over 350,000. This increase in population has led to an increased demand for housing, making Leicester an attractive option for property investors.
There are a number of different types of properties available to invest in within Leicester, from traditional buy-to-let properties to more specialist Airbnb and holiday let investments. In this guide, we will take a comprehensive look at the Leicester property market, with a focus on Airbnb properties and holiday lets. We will also provide some top tips for those considering investing in the Leicester property market.
About Leicester
Leicester is a city located in the East Midlands of England. The city has a population of approximately 330,000 people, making it the 11th largest city in the UK. Leicester is well-connected, with excellent road and rail links to London and other major cities. The city is also home to two universities, the University of Leicester and De Montfort University.
Leicester has a long history dating back to the Roman period, when it was known as Ratae Corieltauvorum. Leicester was once an important trading centre for wool and cloth, and during the Industrial Revolution, the city became an important manufacturing centre for textiles and shoes. In recent years, Leicester has undergone something of a renaissance, with a number of new developments and regeneration projects taking place.
The city is now a thriving hub for business, culture and education, making it an attractive option for those looking to invest in property. Leicester has a lot to offer investors, from strong rental demand to a growing population. If you are considering investing in the Leicester property market, then our comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to make a successful investment.
Universities in Leicester
University of Leicester
University of Leicester: The University of Leicester is a public research university located in Leicester, England. The main campus is south of the city centre, adjacent to Victoria Park. The university has more than 20,000 students and employs over 3,000 staff.
De Montfort University
De Montfort University: De Montfort University is a public university located in Leicester, England. The main campus is situated on The Mills Campus, to the north of the city centre. The university has more than 27,000 students and employs over 2,500 staff.
Loughborough University
Loughborough University: Loughborough University is a public research university located in Loughborough, Leicestershire, England. The main campus is located on the outskirts of the town, with a smaller campus in the town centre. The university has more than 19,000 students and employs over 2,700 staff.
Getting To Leicester
Leicester is located in the East Midlands of England, with excellent road and rail links to London and other major cities.
- Leicester is easily accessible by road, with the M1 motorway running through the city. Leicester is also well-connected to a number of other major roads, including the A46, A6 and A50.
- Leicester railway station provides regular services to London, Birmingham, Nottingham and Sheffield. There are also a number of local and regional train services that operate to and from Leicester
- Leicester is served by East Midlands Airport, which is located just outside of the city centre. The airport offers regular domestic and international flights, making Leicester easily accessible from a number of different locations.
Urban Expansion of Leicester in Recent Years
Leicester has seen a significant amount of urban expansion in recent years, with a number of new developments and projects being undertaken.
One of the most notable developments is the £1 billion Highcross Leicester redevelopment, which is one of the largest regeneration projects in Europe. The redevelopment includes a new shopping centre, as well as a number of new office buildings, apartments and hotels.
The £350 million Waterside development is another major regeneration project that is currently underway in Leicester. The development includes a number of different residential, retail and leisure facilities, as well as a new campus for De Montfort University.
Leicester’s transport infrastructure has also been improved in recent years, with a number of new roads and railways being built. Leicester’s main railway station, Leicester Railway Station, underwent a £50 million redevelopment in 2017.
Leicester is also home to a number of different cultural attractions, including the National Space Centre and the New Walk Museum.
Landmarks of Leicester
- Leicester Cathedral
- National Space Centre
- New Walk Museum
- Highcross Leicester Shopping Centre
- De Montfort University
- University of Leicester
- Richard III Visitor Centre
- Newarke Houses Museum
- Jewry Wall Museum
- Abbey Pumping Station
- Belgrave Hall and Gardens
Tourism In Leicester
The National Space Centre is a museum and research centre located in Leicester, England. The centre includes six interactive galleries, the Rocket Tower, and the Planetarium. The National Space Centre is the most popular tourist attraction in Leicester, with over 500,000 visitors per year.
Abbey Park is a public park located in Leicester, England. The park covers an area of 130 acres and includes a lake, gardens, a playground, and a café. Abbey Park is one of the most popular parks in Leicester and receives over 1 million visitors per year.
The King Richard III Visitor Centre is a museum dedicated to the life and times of King Richard III. The centre is located in the city centre of Leicester, close to the site of his burial. The King Richard III Visitor Centre is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Leicester, with over 200,000 visitors per year.
The Newarke Houses Museum is a museum located in Leicester, England. The museum is dedicated to the history of the city and its people. The Newarke Houses Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Leicester, with over 150,000 visitors per year.
The Jewry Wall Museum is a museum located in Leicester, England. The museum is dedicated to the history of the Jewish community in Leicester. The Jewry Wall Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Leicester, with over 100,000 visitors per year.
The Guildhall Leicester is a historic building located in Leicester, England. The building dates back to the 14th century and was used as a meeting place for the guilds of Leicester. The Guildhall Leicester is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Leicester, with over 50,000 visitors per year.
In May and June, Leicester’s two universities – De Montfort University and the University of Leicester – hold their graduation ceremonies. In addition, due to its proximity, people visiting Loughborough University for graduations often stay in Leicester too. These are popular events with both students and their families, and often attract visitors from outside of Leicester.
Leicester is home to a number of large businesses, including British Gas, Bupa, and Experian. These businesses often bring employees to Leicester for training and meetings, and these visitors often stay in hotels and AIrbnbs, and use other tourism services while in the city.
The Leicester Tigers are a professional rugby union club based in Leicester, England. The club competes in the Aviva Premiership, and is one of the most successful clubs in English rugby history. The Leicester Tigers often attract visitors from outside of Leicester to their home games.
Leicester City Football Club is a professional football club based in Leicester, England. The club competes in the Premier League, and is one of the most successful clubs in English football history. The Leicester City Football Club often attracts visitors from outside of Leicester to their home games.
Leicester also plays host to a number of other events throughout the year, including the Leicester Comedy Festival, the Leicester Food and Drink Festival, and the Varsity Match between the Universities of Leicester and De Montfort. These events often attract visitors from outside of Leicester.
Leicester Demographics
Leicester has a population of approximately 350,000 people, making it the 11th largest city in the UK. The population of Leicester is ethnically diverse, with around 45% of residents being from an ethnic minority background.
The majority of Leicester’s residents are Christian, with around 57% of the population identifying as such. Other religions represented in Leicester include Islam (15%), Hinduism (5%) and Sikhism (2%).
Leicester also has a large student population, with around 40,000 students enrolled at the city’s universities.
The median age of Leicester’s residents is 35 years old, which is slightly lower than the national average.
Leicester Economy
Leicester is a major economic hub in the Midlands region of England, with a number of different industries being represented.
One of the largest employers in Leicester is the public sector, with around 22% of residents working in this sector. The second largest employer is the retail sector, with around 16% of residents working in this industry.
Other notable industries that are present in Leicester include manufacturing (15%), healthcare (9%) and education (8%).
The average yearly salary in Leicester is £28,000, which is slightly lower than the national average. However, the cost of living in Leicester is also relatively low, with house prices and rents being relatively affordable.
Living Standards in Leicester
Leicester is a great place to live, with a low cost of living and a high standard of living. The city has a number of different amenities and facilities, making it an attractive option for those looking to invest in property.
The cost of living in Leicester is relatively low when compared to other UK cities. The average monthly rent for a one bedroom apartment in Leicester is £694, which is significantly lower than the UK average of £917. The cost of groceries and other essentials is also relatively low in Leicester, with the city having a number of supermarkets and shops.
Leicester offers a high standard of living, with a number of different amenities and facilities available. The city has a number of parks and green spaces, as well as a number of different leisure facilities. There are also a number of different schools and colleges located in Leicester, making it an ideal place to live for families.
The city centre of Leicester is home to a number of different shops, restaurants and bars, making it a great place to socialise and relax. There are also a number of different cultural attractions located in Leicester, including the National Space Centre and the New Walk Museum.
The climate in Leicester is relatively mild, with average temperatures ranging from 4-25 degrees Celsius. The city experiences a fair amount of rainfall throughout the year, with an average of around 700mm.
Leicester is a safe and secure city, with a low crime rate. The city has a number of different CCTV cameras located throughout the city centre, as well as a number of police officers patrolling the streets.
Impact of Leicester City Winning the Premier League in 2016
Leicester City’s surprise win of the Premier League in 2016 had a positive impact on the city, with a number of different benefits being seen.
The win led to an increase in tourism, with the city seeing a significant increase in the number of visitors. The victory also resulted in an influx of investment into the city, as businesses looked to capitalise on the increased interest in Leicester. From a numbers perspective, it is estimated that the Premier League win added £170 million to the local economy.
The win also had a positive impact on the local economy, with businesses reporting an increase in sales and profits. The success of Leicester City also resulted in a number of new jobs being created, as businesses looked to expand their operations. In terms of numbers, it is estimated that the Premier League win led to the creation of 1,000 new jobs directly in Leicester just the next year.
Overall Areas and Suburbs of Leicester
Leicester is a large city that is made up of a number of different areas and suburbs. The following is a list of some of the most popular areas in Leicester:
- Anstey is a suburb of Leicester located to the northeast of the city centre. Anstey has a population of around 6,500 people.
- Aylestone is a suburb of Leicester located to the southwest of the city centre. Aylestone has a population of around 11,000 people.
- Birstall is a suburb of Leicester located to the west of the city centre. Birstall has a population of around 12,000 people.
- Blaby is a suburb of Leicester located to the south of the city centre. Blaby has a population of around 6,000 people.
- Braunstone is a suburb of Leicester located to the west of the city centre. Braunstone has a population of around 17,000 people.
- Clarendon Park is an inner-city area of Leicester that is located to the north of the city centre. Clarendon Park has a population of around 12,000 people.
- Knighton is a suburb of Leicester located south west of the city. Knighton has a population of around 5000 people.
- Coalville is a suburb of Leicester located to the northeast of the city centre. Coalville has a population of around 37,000 people.
- Earl Shilton is a suburb of Leicester located to the southwest of the city centre. Earl Shilton has a population of around 10,000 people.
- Evington is a popular suburb of Leicester that is located to the north east of the city centre. Evington has a population of around 11,000 people.
- Glen Parva is a suburb of Leicester located to the south of the city centre. Glen Parva has a population of around 17,000 people.
- Hamilton is a suburb of Leicester located to the northeast of the city centre. Hamilton has a population of around 19,000 people.
- Highfields is an inner-city area of Leicester that is located to the south of the city centre. Highfields has a population of around 8,000 people.
- Hinckley is a suburb of Leicester located to the southwest of the city centre. Hinckley has a population of around 11,000 people.
- Ibstock is a suburb of Leicester located to the northeast of the city centre. Ibstock has a population of around 6,000 people.
- Kibworth is a suburb of Leicester located to the southwest of the city centre. Kibworth has a population of around 7,000 people.
- Loughborough is a suburb of Leicester located to the northwest of the city centre. Loughborough has a population of around 60,000 people.
- Markfield is a suburb of Leicester located to the northwest of the city centre. Markfield has a population of around 6,000 people.
- Melton Mowbray is a suburb of Leicester located to the northeast of the city centre. Melton Mowbray has a population of around 28,000 people.
- Mountsorrel is a suburb of Leicester located to the northwest of the city centre. Mountsorrel has a population of around 8,000 people.
- Oadby is a suburban area of Leicester that is located to the south west of the city centre. Oadby has a population of around 58,000 people.
- Shepshed is a suburb of Leicester located to the northwest of the city centre. Shepshed has a population of around 14,000 people.
- Sileby is a suburb of Leicester located to the southwest of the city centre. Sileby has a population of around 8,000 people.
- Syston is a suburb of Leicester located to the southeast of the city centre. Syston has a population of around 13,000 people.
- Thurmaston is a suburb of Leicester located to the southeast of the city centre. Thurmaston has a population of around 10,000 people.
- Waltham on the Wolds is a suburb of Leicester located to the northeast of the city centre. Waltham on the Wolds has a population of around 1,000 people.
- Wigston is a suburb of Leicester located to the south of the city centre. Wigston has a population of around 58,000 people.
Leicester Property Market
New data has shown that the average price of a home in Leicester has increased by more than 250% over the past 20 years, making it a hotbed for housing opportunities.
Leicester’s population is projected to grow by more than 15% over the next decade, which is likely to result in further price increases.
The Plumbnation list places Leicester as third in the top 10, with property prices rising significantly over a 20 year period. In 2002, the average price for all property types was £61,232.
The average house price in Leicester is currently £251,000. The average price of a detached house in Leicester is £330,000, while the average price of a semi-detached house is £260,000.
The average price of a one-bedroom flat in Leicester is £150,000, while the average price of a two-bedroom flat is £180,000.
There has been a significant increase in the number of properties being sold in Leicester in recent years. In 2016, there were 4,854 properties sold in the city, which was a 9% increase from the previous year. In 2021, it is estimated that there were 11,100 properties sold in Leicester.
The average time to sell a property in Leicester is currently 12 weeks, which is significantly lower than the national average.
Potential for Leicester's Short Term/Airbnb Market
Leicester has a number of different factors that make it an ideal location for short term rentals, such as its central location, diverse population and large student population.
The average nightly rate for a short term rental in Leicester is £85, which is significantly higher than the nightly rate for a traditional hotel room.
The average occupancy rate for short term rentals in Leicester is 85%, which is one of the highest rates in the UK.
There are a number of different websites that list Leicester as being one of the best cities for Airbnb investments, such as TheIndependent.co.uk and Mashvisor.com.
Leicester also has a number of different regulations in place that make it a favourable city for Airbnb investors, such as no minimum stay requirements and no restrictions on listing entire homes.
The following is a list of the popular areas in Leicester for Airbnb properties
- Evington
- Highfields
- Oadby
- Clarendon Park
- West End
- City Centre
Our Top tips for Investing in the Leicester Property Market
Research the market: It is important to research the Leicester property market before making any investment decisions. This includes looking at prices, trends, and rental yields.
Consider your investment strategy: There are a number of different ways to invest in the Leicester property market. You will need to consider what type of investment you are looking for, and what your goals are.
Get expert advice: It is always advisable to seek professional advice before making any major investment decision. This is especially true when investing in the Leicester property market, as there are a number of factors to consider.
Find a good location: The location of your property is one of the most important factors to consider when investing in the Leicester property market. You will need to consider things like transport links, schools, and amenities.
Choose the right property: It is important to choose a property that meets your needs and requirements. You will need to consider things like the size, type, and location of the property.
Be prepared to negotiate: It is important to be prepared to negotiate when buying a property in the Leicester property market. This is because prices can vary significantly from one property to another.
If you are thinking of investing in the Leicester property market, then these tips should help you make an informed decision. However, it is always advisable to seek professional advice before making any major investment decisions. This is especially true when investing in the Leicester property market, as there are a number of factors to consider. Get in touch with us, as we hold significant local property knowledge, being active in the Airbnb property market for 5+ years now.