A Global Property Hot Spot

Property growth in the United Kingdom has doubled, on average, every 6.2 years. Since 2003, the UK market has experienced truly outstanding capital growth - over 26% in 2003 alone. There's no question that the UK is a very profitable 'hot spot' for global property investors.

At the economic and geographic centre of this booming property market is Leeds, the business and cultural capital of Yorkshire and the Humber, one of the largest economic regions in the UK. This city of three-quarters of a million people has developed into the main financial and legal centre outside London; it is the country's third largest centre for manufacturing, and a major centre for the media and communications industries.

Leeds sits exactly half-way between London and Edinburgh and is a major terminus on the East Coast mainline railway. Over 50,000 passengers a day pass through the newly modernised Leeds station. The key M1 and M62 motorways meet at Leeds and the local airport, just half an hour from the city centre, provides air links throughout the country, the continent and worldwide.

With its vibrant mix of culture, commerce and style, Leeds is the social hub of the North. Shopping in Leeds is second to none. The city is justly known as the 'Knightsbridge of the North', with famous high street stores including Harvey Nichols, Vivian Westwood, All Saints and Ted Baker to name a few.

Leeds Facts & Figures

• The second largest metropolitan district in England, covering 552sq km.
• The powerhouse of the regional economy, with 19% of the region's employment and 14% of its businesses.
• The most diverse economy of any major UK city outside London.
• Massive investment in large-scale development, with projects worth £2.4 billion completed, another £1 billion worth under construction and £3.4 billion in the pipeline.
• Created 85,000 jobs in the last 20 years (more than any other UK city), representing over a third of all job creation in the region over that time.

Source: Enterprising Leeds - The Leeds Initiative