Manchester has some qualities that help make it a great place to invest and live.

Regeneration and funding for improvements to the public transport system have improved the quality of life for residents, and made it easier to get to for visitors.

The City is home to a number of leading Educational Institutions, including The University Of Salford, The University Of Manchester, Manchester Business School, Manchester Metropolitan University and City College Manchester.

A high population of students helps the rental market, and graduates buying their first home in the area keeps no-chain home sales up.

And According to The Manchester Evening News, Manchester’s commercial property market is still looking good. Which, along with a direct effect on property sales, also means businesses in the area are thriving – meaning more jobs for people living in Manchester.

In 2007 Manchester accounted for the most significant level of UK investment, with £1.2bn of investment activity in the city.

An exception to this rosy picture is Alpha Street in Higher Openshaw, where houses have an average value of £29,900, and have seen little to no increase in the past 20 years. However this street is due to be flattened and regenerated in about 2 years time.

If you’re thinking of buying property in Manchester, it’s worth looking into what the Council have planned for employment, regeneration areas, transport, housing etc.

You can see the Development Plan for the Manchester District here.

With further investment in public transport, there are even more reasons to live in Manchester City Centre. And with the current credit crunch, it can be easier and more flexible to rent.

Salford Central Station has been transformed with an investment of £5 million to improve waiting areas, security, customer information and taxi and bus facilities.

Metroshuttle is a free bus service in Manchester city centre which was launched in 2002 to help commuters in the city centre ditch the car and reduce congestion. The service is frequent and has 3 routes:

• Manchester Circular
• Manchester Victoria, Shudehill, Castlefield, Deansgate, Oxford Road
• Piccadilly, Salford Central

The Metrolink Tram System will be extended from Manchester Piccadilly to Ashton-under-Lyne, with stops at Ancoats, Eastland, Clayton, Droylsden and Audenshaw, making the journey just a couple of minutes to the city centre. This is part of a major regeneration project for East Manchester.

And further plans are in consideration for a ‘Green Corridor’ for Oxford Road, where a low-emission high-frequency shuttle service will run between Christie Hospital, Salford Crescent, Parrs Wood Didsbury, Manchester Piccadilly, and terminating at Oxford Road railway station.

If you’re thinking of renting in Manchester, The Times has put together a list of ten things you should know before you rent.

Kings Residential have a fantastic selection of properties for rent in Manchester City Centre. Just click on the link below for a full and current listing.

Rent in Manchester