It’s been marred by delays and difficulties, but the approach of HS2 is creating bubbles of interest among those looking to invest in property near the new line.
The likes of Birmingham in Phase One, followed by Manchester, Glasgow, Liverpool, Preston and Wigan in Phase Two, are all going to benefit from super-speedy access to London in the next decade or so.
Arguably, all of these locations are already hugely popular investment hotspots among buy-to-let landlords and buy-to-sell investors; increasingly so in recent years as the property markets in some of these locations have thrived compared to London.
The aim of HS2 is to significantly improve connectivity in the north and the Midlands, while also creating around 500,000 extra jobs and an estimated 90,000 homes around the stations – which shows the extent to which demand in these areas is expected to rise.
For many property investors looking to get ahead of the curve, particularly those who are willing to play the long game, choosing to invest in property around the new stations could certainly pay off.
Invest in property for long-term gains
Investors hoping for a quick turnaround may not reap the rewards they are seeking if they buy close to a new HS2 station, partly because these areas are unlikely to be as desirable during the construction phase.
However, the majority of property investors use the asset class for its longevity and long-term security, with many holding bricks and mortar as part of a retirement plan. In such a case, the decision to invest in property near HS2 could be a lucrative one.
Property expert Jonathan Rolande said: “The increase in northern house prices is going to create a decade of opportunity and investors will be looking for the pot of gold at the end of the HS2 line.
“Expect growth to mirror general market conditions and then start to accelerate even more around 2025 and beyond.”
He added: “Wise investors are planning to ride out the construction phase to benefit from the completed line uplift. Then they will make their move.”
Phase One: Birmingham and Solihull
The first phase of construction of HS2 will connect London the West Midlands, with new stations at Curzon Street in Birmingham and an Interchange Station at Solihull.
Agents around Solihull have already noticed prices beginning to rise and new investments and regeneration coming to the area in anticipation of HS2’s arrival.
The station will benefit from up to five trains per hour in each direction, with four platform sides for trains to stop at and two 415 metre-long platforms.
Journey times to other parts of the UK will be significantly reduced. For example, the journey from the Interchange to East Midlands Hub will be just 17 minutes. Manchester will be 37 minutes away (reduced from 106), while London will be 38 minutes away (down from 70).
Aside from its easy access to other parts of the country, the station will boost the appeal of Solihull property by being a destination in itself. There will be a focus on green space around the station to add to its eco-friendly credentials.
In terms of a location to invest in property, both Solihull and Birmingham seem likely to see great gains, with the latter already being recognised as a top investment destination.
Booming Manchester
Many have likened the impact of HS2 to that of Crossrail in London, the new line which also ended up over-budget and behind schedule. Despite this, house prices, rental prices and demand in areas around new Crossrail stations have soared.
In Manchester, the new HS2 stations will be at Piccadilly – where there is currently controversy around the possible scrapping of a planned underground station – and Manchester Airport.
House prices as well as rental values have been rising in Manchester and the north west more than anywhere else in the country in recent years, and most forecasts expect they will continue to lead the way.
For those looking to invest in property in or around the city, holding onto it until after HS2 is built could be even more beneficial.
Nick Whitten, head of UK Residential and Living Research at JLL, said: “Manchester is booming.”
“And our predictions see the city becoming the strongest hub for economic growth within the UK. As sales growth and demand continue to soar, the residential market in Manchester is now crying out for both new investors and existing developers to restart their activity in the city.”
BuyAssociation helps investors find property investments to suit their needs across the UK, with numerous developments along the proposed HS2 line – including in Birmingham, Solihull, Manchester, Liverpool and Preston. Get in touch for more information.
