2015 is the year of city centre living

What’s not to love about city centre living? Chances are, if you’re living in any one of the major cities in the UK, you’ll be a firm advocate of being a tenant. After all, you get the benefits of living in a vibrant place with the lifestyle of an urban city cool kid, as well as taking advantage of an affordable pad that’s smack bang in the heart of anything and everything you could want.

A recent study showed that the number of those renting homes in specific “urban” areas has risen from 80% to 86% in the last decade. The same report also found that tenants are now staying in rented accommodation much longer than they used to. Ten years ago, around 20% of us stayed in the private rented sector for two years or more. This figure has now risen to 24%.

The big surprise is that these numbers mostly represented regional cities outside of London, so for those who think the property world rotates around the capital, think again.

Where there may once have been a stigma around rental properties, this has been banished by the sheer number of top quality developments and stunningly beautiful apartments dotted all over city centres nowadays. In light of this, we’re giving you the lowdown on where to find the very best of the best rental properties. So any future tenants looking for top city centre digs, pay attention:

• Manchester

As Manchester is our home, we may be slightly biased. But there’s no denying that this vibrant city has everything to offer. And more. From its buzzing nightlife, quirky shops and stalls to its glamorous and sophisticated restaurants and cocktail bars, it really does have something for everyone. As such an eclectic city, it’s perfect for city renters as top notch developments are available far and wide. Whether you’re a student, working professional or just love the city life, you’d have to be mad not to want to live here.

• Liverpool

Those who have had the pleasure of visiting Liverpool will know that it’s one of the friendliest places you could ever wish to go to, which, as you can imagine, makes living there an absolute joy. Named as the City of Culture for 2008, the city is rich with history and there’s something to see around every corner. With three major universities and a range of colleges, students who go to the city for education often never end up leaving, so if you haven’t already, go ahead and check out some properties today.

• Plymouth

A bit further afield than our Northern favourites, we have the city of Plymouth. Named as one of the top places for families to live, this coastal town is certainly a popular place to call home. With beautiful sea views available right on your doorstep, this little gem of a place gives that little something extra to urban renters. It performs well in a lot of aspects such as schools and employment rates and, we’ll admit, has one thing that might be missing from the North… occasional sunshine!

Almost all of the properties managed by Ascend are city centre pads of the highest quality, and we know you won’t accept anything less. If you’re looking for a property and you think we can help, why not give us a call on 0161 637 8336.