Northern Ireland is set to welcome an estimated 25,000–30,000 new arrivals from the UK and Europe over the next five years, according to Belfast-based estate agency John Minnis.
The firm said migration to the region has reached its highest levels in more than a decade, fuelled by affordability, lifestyle benefits and strong educational performance.
Recent figures show 11,700 people relocated from other parts of the UK to Northern Ireland in the year ending mid-2023, with migration in 2024 climbing to a 15-year high.
The agency highlighted housing affordability as one of the region’s biggest advantages. The average house price in Northern Ireland stands at £185,000, compared with £291,000 in England, £210,000 in Wales and £192,000 in Scotland, equating to a 63.57% gap with England.
Everyday living costs including groceries, utilities and childcare are also lower than in many British cities.
Education is another driver of demand. Northern Ireland’s schools consistently achieve higher academic attainment and examination results than counterparts in England, Wales and Scotland, with families often citing the wide choice of grammar and integrated schools as a key factor in their decision to relocate.
The rising demand is also creating opportunities for property investors. John Minnis research suggests Belfast is delivering rental yields of about 6.8%, the highest in the region, with Derry/Londonderry at 4.3% and Newry at 2.7%.
The agency said these levels outpace many major UK cities, making Northern Ireland a compelling investment location.
John Minnis (pictured), founder of the estate agency, said: “With migration at a 15-year high, we expect Northern Ireland to welcome a further 25,000–30,000 people from the UK and Europe over the next five years.
“This sustained demand will underpin growth in both rental and sales markets, creating significant opportunities for buyers, renters and investors alike.
“As an estate agent that has operated for over 20 years, we’ve never seen such high-demand from buyers and investors from all over the world.”
