Good morning.

This week, a city outside of London grabbed my attention — and no, it’s not one of the usual suspects.

It’s Huddersfield. Stay with me.

Strategically tucked between Leeds and Manchester, two of the UK’s most powerful economic hubs, Huddersfield sits in a prime spot to benefit from the ripple effect of growth.

So I ran the numbers.

Could this overlooked town be a hidden gem for property investors looking to build out their portfolio?

Let’s dive in.

The Data Snapshot: Why This Area?

1. 👀 Area: Huddersfield

2. 📈 Population Growth: +10.1% in the past 10 years (now 138,133)

3. 💼 Low Unemployment: 3.9% (vs national avg. 4.2%)

4. 🚆 Transport: Direct TransPennine Express trains to Manchester (30 mins), Leeds (20 mins), York (50 mins).

5. 🏠 Home Ownership: Kirklees average 63% (UK average - 65%)

6. 💰 Affordability: Avg. price £180,000

7. 🏗️ New Developments: Over £1 billion in public/private investment planned, including new police station, Kingsgate Leisure, and university National Health Innovation Campus
   

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Huddersfield: The Quiet Achiever Sitting Between Giants

What does all this mean for investors? 🤔

Alright, so let’s talk about Huddersfield—because on paper, it's starting to look pretty interesting.

First off, the population's grown by just over 10% in the last decade.

That’s a solid indicator that more people are choosing to live there, which usually means there's something attractive about the area.

Speaking of jobs, unemployment is low—3.9%—which is actually better than the national average.

That tells me the local economy’s doing okay and people are generally finding work.

Now here’s the big one for me: transport.

Huddersfield has direct trains to Manchester in half an hour, Leeds in 20 minutes, and even York in under an hour.

That kind of connectivity makes it ideal for commuters who want more affordable housing without giving up access to major cities.

On the topic of housing, the average home price is around £180k. That’s way more affordable than you’d find in Leeds or Manchester, but you’re still close enough to benefit from both cities.

And with home ownership at 63%—just slightly below the UK average—it shows there's a decent mix of renters and owners, which is usually a healthy balance.

And get this—there’s over £1 billion worth of public and private investment lined up. We're talking a new police station, a big leisure complex in Kingsgate, and a National Health Innovation Campus from the university.

That’s the kind of regeneration that tends to push house prices up over time, especially as it creates jobs and attracts more people.

So overall, Huddersfield feels like one of those underrated places that could quietly become a really smart investment—not just for living, but for long-term value too.

Top Property Picks This Week

Larch Road, Huddersfield, HD1

• Price: £200,000

• Beds/Baths: 3 Bed / 1 Bath

• Expected Monthly Income: £850

• Expected Monthly Expenses: £625

• Expected Monthly Cash Flow: £225

• Expected Cash-on-Cash Return: 5.4%

St James Road, Marsh, Huddersfield, HD1

• Price: £150,000

• Beds/Baths: 2 Beds / 1 Bath

• Expected Monthly Income: £700

• Expected Monthly Expenses: £525

• Expected Monthly Cash Flow: £175

• Expected Cash-on-Cash Return: 5.6%

Burfitts Road, Huddersfield, HD3 4YN

• Price: £110,000

• Beds/Baths: 2 Beds / 1 Bath

• Expected Monthly Income: £625

• Expected Monthly Expenses: £394

• Expected Monthly Cash Flow: £231

• Expected Cash-on-Cash Return: 8.3%

Thomas Street, Lindley, Huddersfield. HD3

• Price: £155,000

• Beds/Baths: 2 Beds / 1 Bath

• Expected Monthly Income: £675

• Expected Monthly Expenses: £417 (including service charge as it is a flat)

• Expected Monthly Cash Flow: £258

• Expected Cash-on-Cash Return: 7.9%

BOTTOM LINE

Strategically well located makes this area worth keeping an eye on and if you want the best of both world ( Leeds and Manchester), look no further.

What stands out is Huddersfield’s strategic location-nestled between Leeds and Manchester, with direct rail links that put both cities within easy reach. This connectivity is a major draw for professionals and students alike, especially with the University of Huddersfield’s growing reputation attracting a steady stream of tenants.

Affordability is another key advantage. Property prices here remain accessible compared to nearby urban centres, yet rental demand is robust, fuelled by a diverse local economy and ongoing regeneration projects in the town centre.

Huddersfield offers a blend of strong rental yields, promising capital growth, and a vibrant local community-making it a market well worth considering for investors looking for both stability and future upside.

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Tip Of The Week

“Check the train lines.”
Properties within a 10-minute walk of a train or tube station — especially in zones set for upgrades or expansions — tend to outperform the broader market over time.