Manchester’s skyline has changed dramatically
Over the last decade, Manchester has established itself as one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities for new homes, particularly city centre apartments. From Ancoats and New Islington to Deansgate, Salford Quays and Victoria North, cranes have become a familiar sight as former industrial land has been transformed into thriving residential neighbourhoods.
Since Andy Burnham became Mayor of Greater Manchester in 2017, housing and regeneration have remained central to the city’s long-term ambitions. Alongside investment in transport, employment and public spaces, Manchester has continued to attract developers looking to deliver thousands of new homes to meet growing demand. More recently, with Burnham just appointed as Prime Minister, housing supply has become an even bigger national conversation.
Whether you’re a first-time renter, relocating for work or looking to enjoy city centre living, Manchester now offers one of the widest selections of modern apartments anywhere in the UK.
Why Manchester has become a Build to Rent hotspot
Manchester’s population growth, thriving universities and expanding business community have all contributed to increasing demand for high-quality rental homes. Unlike traditional private renting, many new developments are purpose-built under the Build to Rent (BTR) model. Rather than individual landlords owning a handful of properties, entire apartment buildings are professionally managed, often with on-site teams and a strong focus on customer service.
Many developments now include features such as:
- Concierge services
- Residents’ lounges
- Co-working spaces
- On-site gyms
- Landscaped communal gardens
- Secure bike storage
- Pet-friendly policies
- Community events
For many renters, choosing a Build to Rent apartment is about more than finding somewhere to live. It’s about choosing a lifestyle and becoming part of a professionally managed community.
Manchester’s regeneration continues
Manchester’s growth hasn’t happened overnight. Areas including Ancoats, Castlefield, New Islington and Salford have all undergone significant regeneration, transforming former industrial land into vibrant neighbourhoods with thousands of new homes, restaurants, cafés and green spaces. Projects such as Victoria North continue to deliver new residential communities, while further investment in employment and transport is helping support long-term housing demand across Greater Manchester.
Ten Build to Rent developments worth exploring
If you’re looking for a modern apartment in Manchester, these developments are among the best-known Build to Rent communities in and around the city.
1. Angel Gardens – Moda Living
Located in the NOMA district next to Manchester Victoria Station, Angel Gardens was one of Moda Living’s first Build to Rent developments. It offers 466 apartments alongside extensive resident amenities, including a rooftop sports pitch, gym, lounges and co-working spaces.
2. New Vic – Homes by PIC
Situated close to the Northern Quarter, New Vic offers more than 500 professionally managed apartments with communal spaces and modern amenities. Its location makes it particularly popular with professionals working in the city centre.
3. Kampus – Native
Built around a restored canal basin, Kampus has become one of Manchester’s most recognisable residential neighbourhoods. Alongside over 500 apartments, residents enjoy independent cafés, restaurants and landscaped outdoor spaces.
4. Cortland at Colliers Yard
Located close to Manchester Cathedral and the River Irwell, Cortland at Colliers Yard combines luxury apartments with resident lounges, fitness facilities and professional on-site management.
5. The Trilogy
Located in Castlefield, The Trilogy offers one, two and three-bedroom apartments centred around landscaped communal gardens, co-working facilities and residents’ lounges, creating a strong sense of community.
6. The Castings – Native Communities
One of Manchester’s newer Build to Rent developments, The Castings combines contemporary apartments with shared amenities and modern communal spaces close to Piccadilly East.
7. The Astley – Grainger
The Astley offers professionally managed apartments within easy reach of Manchester city centre and includes facilities such as co-working areas and roof terraces designed for modern renters.
8. The Residences Manchester – Legal & General
Part of the iconic Deansgate Square development, The Residences provides professionally managed apartments within one of Manchester’s most recognisable skylines, offering premium amenities and exceptional city views.
9. Middlewood Locks – Get Living
Situated between Manchester and Salford, Middlewood Locks is a major regeneration project transforming former brownfield land into a vibrant waterside neighbourhood with apartments, offices, public spaces and local amenities.
10. Fairfax – Allsop Lettings & Management
One of the city’s newest Build to Rent developments, Fairfax offers modern apartments alongside a rooftop terrace, gym, concierge service and co-working spaces within the growing Piccadilly East neighbourhood.
Why renters are choosing Build to Rent
Today’s renters are increasingly searching for more than just a postcode. Searches for pet-friendly rentals, concierge apartments, co-working spaces and apartments with shared social areas continue to grow as people look for homes that fit their lifestyle. Professional management, responsive maintenance teams and flexible amenities all help explain why Build to Rent has become such an important part of Manchester’s housing market.
Looking for a new build apartment in Manchester?
Whether you’re relocating, starting a new job or simply looking for a better renting experience, Manchester offers an excellent choice of modern apartments across a range of neighbourhoods. From waterside developments in Salford to vibrant communities in Ancoats and the Northern Quarter, there are options to suit a variety of lifestyles and budgets.
Helping Build to Rent operators reach more renters
As Build to Rent continues to grow, visibility has never been more important. Many renters now search using lifestyle-led criteria such as pet-friendly apartments, concierge services, resident lounges and Build to Rent developments, rather than simply searching by postcode.
At MovingSoon, we’re continuing to invest in specialist landing pages and content to help renters discover homes that match their needs. If you’re a Build to Rent operator looking to generate additional enquiries, reduce void periods and reach a wider audience, we’d love to discuss how MovingSoon could complement your existing marketing strategy.
