CBRE’s new Future Cities report reveals which UK locations are set to lead real estate growth over the next decade and the results show a clear shift in power beyond London. Based on economic forecasts, demographic trends and sector-specific demand drivers, 13 sectors were analysed across 50 major cities. The message is clear: Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham consistently top the charts, while specialist sectors highlight new regional stars.
Manchester Takes the Crown as the UK’s Most Consistent Growth City. From offices and logistics to Build-to-Rent, student accommodation and single-family housing, Manchester appears in almost every top 10 ranking. Strong GDP forecasts, rapid population growth and deep talent pools make it the UK’s most versatile real estate market of the next decade.
Bristol ranks top for retail, leisure, affordable housing and features strongly across residential sectors. But it also faces major housing undersupply, with delivery falling short of need, an indicator of future rental and pricing pressure.
With the UK’s largest population outside London, Birmingham shows robust fundamentals across offices, housing, logistics and PBSA. It ranks first nationally for expected family-household growth, key for the maturing single-family rental sector.
Sector Standouts:
Life Sciences – Oxford & Cambridge Remain Unmatched.
The Golden Triangle dominates, supported by world-leading universities and heavy VC investment. But cities like Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow are emerging as credible innovation hubs.
Student Accommodation – Demand Overwhelms Supply.
UCAS forecasts up to 1 million applicants per year by 2030, while planning constraints limit new beds. Manchester, Nottingham and Edinburgh face the deepest imbalances.
Urban Logistics – Online Shopping Keeps Expanding.
Cities with younger digital populations—Manchester, Bristol, Sheffield—are driving demand for near consumer warehousing as online penetration remains elevated post-COVID.
Senior Living – The Next Major Growth Frontier.
The UK’s 75–84 population will grow 27% by 2030, with Brighton, Manchester and Bristol leading demand for age-appropriate housing and services.
Hotels – Tourism Revival Fuels Regional Growth.
Brighton, Edinburgh and Southampton top hotel demand rankings as domestic travel rises 36% and international visitors return. Major delivery pipelines in Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh support expansion.
Investors have more reasons than ever to look beyond the capital
Across all sectors, a new pattern is emerging: the UK’s real estate future is not defined by one city or one asset class, but by a diverse network of fast-growing urban centres. With technology transformations, demographic shifts and new living patterns accelerating, investors have more reasons than ever to look beyond the capital.
Our insight lead approach to creating authentic place brand propositions to differentiate destinations, through curated storytelling, distinctive identity, and community building that create a genuine sense of place will set developments apart. Combined with our use of AI to identify and target occupiers creates a powerful approach to highly effective property marketing and placemaking.