Cambridge named top rental wellness hotspot as Northern Ireland locations rank highly
John Minnis Estate Agents has named Cambridge as the leading rental wellness hotspot, while Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, Lisburn and Bangor all ranked in the top 10.
Cambridge has been named the leading rental wellness hotspot in a new report from John Minnis Estate Agents.
The Belfast-based estate agency said the research reflects a shift in tenant priorities, with renters increasingly looking beyond location alone and placing greater importance on wellbeing, stability, lifestyle and community.
The report assessed locations based on factors including rental demand, affordability, energy efficiency, access to green space, transport links, local amenities and long-term investment potential.
Cambridge secured the highest overall ranking due to its combination of employment opportunities, environmental quality and tenant appeal.
John Minnis said the city benefits from one of the strongest employment markets, extensive parks and green spaces, cycling and public transport infrastructure, education facilities and a diverse rental market supported by professionals, academics and technology businesses.
Northern Ireland was also a strong performer, with Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, Lisburn and Bangor all appearing in the top 10.
Belfast ranked third, supported by affordable city living, a growing economy, strong amenities and rental demand. Derry/Londonderry ranked sixth, with the report citing affordable housing, growing tenant demand and community appeal.
Lisburn ranked eighth, supported by family-friendly neighbourhoods, schools and commuter links, while Bangor ranked tenth, with coastal living, outdoor lifestyle and access to Belfast among the factors highlighted.
John Minnis said the findings pointed to growing interest in “rental wellness”, where homes and neighbourhoods support longer-term living through housing quality, energy efficiency, amenities, community links and overall wellbeing.
The estate agency said this shift could create opportunities for landlords, as homes that provide a better overall living experience are more likely to attract longer-term tenants, reduce void periods, lower re-letting costs and support more predictable rental income.
John Minnis, founder and managing director of John Minnis Estate Agents, said: “Renters’ priorities are evolving. While location and affordability remain important, we’re increasingly seeing people place greater value on quality of life, community and finding somewhere they can genuinely call home for the long term.
“Our research shows that the strongest-performing rental markets are those where these factors come together. For landlords, investing in homes that support tenant wellbeing can lead to longer tenancies, lower turnover and more resilient returns. It’s no longer just about achieving the highest rent – it’s about creating places where people want to stay.”
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