Sheffield Location Guide - Frater Property Partners

Invest in Sheffield

Sheffield Economy & Population

Sheffield’s economy is valued at around £15bn with steady growth in recent years.
As of early 2025, the population of Sheffield and its metropolitan areas is estimated to be approximately 750,000 people.

Regeneration & Institutional Investment

Sheffield has a variety of investment schemes throughout the city and is a major part of the South Yorkshire Investment Zone, the UK’s first Investment Zone.

The South Yorkshire Investment Zone is set to significantly benefit Sheffield by fostering economic growth and job creation. This initiative aims to attract up to £1.2 billion in private investment and create approximately 8,000 new jobs across the region by 2030.
West Bar Development: West Bar is an exciting £300 million regeneration scheme set to transform nearly 1 million sq. ft. into a vibrant mixed-use environment featuring offices, retail, leisure, hotels, living spaces, and integrated parking.

Connectivity & Transport

Sheffield boasts excellent connectivity, providing easy access to major cities and transport networks across the UK

Road Connectivity: Sheffield offers direct access to M1 motorway.
Major routes (A57, A61, A630, A6178) connect Sheffield to Manchester, Derby, Nottingham, and beyond.
Sheffield Railway Station: Strong links with direct trains to London: 2 hours. Manchester: 50 minutes. Leeds: 40 minutes. Birmingham: 1 hour 20 mins.
Airports: Manchester Airport (1 hour drive/train): major international hub.
East Midlands Airport (1 hour drive): wide range of international/domestic routes.
Leeds Bradford Airport (1 hour 15 mins): offers extensive European flights.
Tram network: connects the city centre, suburbs, universities, employment areas, and leisure spots.

Employment

Sheffield has a diverse employment market, with a total of 255,700 employee jobs.

The services sector dominates, accounting for 84.1% of employment, while manufacturing and construction comprise 15.7%.

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: Operates five adult hospitals and community services, employing around 16,000 individuals.

Sheffield Hallam University: Employs nearly 4,500 staff, contributing significantly to the education sector

Manufacturing Firms: Tata Steel and Mondelez International maintain a strong presence, reflecting the city’s industrial heritage.

Call Centres: Companies such as BT, HSBC, Nationwide, Sky, and Virgin Media have established substantial operations in Sheffield, providing numerous employment opportunities.

Universities & Education

Globally recognised, University of Sheffield & Sheffield Hallam University attract around 60,000 students to the city of Sheffield.
Student retention rate is reasonable within Sheffield with young professionals staying in the city after their studies for job opportunities within manufacturing and healthcare.

Lifestyle & Amenities

Greenest City in Europe – Over 250 parks, woodlands, and gardens. Proximity to Peak District National Park – Offering exceptional outdoor recreation, hiking, cycling, and walking trails.
Family-Friendly Environment – Excellent schools, safe neighbourhoods, and diverse housing options.
Vibrant Food & Drink Scene – Independent cafés, restaurants, pubs, and renowned street food markets.
Excellent Shopping – Meadowhall Shopping Centre, independent boutiques, and city-centre retail hubs.
Cultural Venues – Crucible Theatre, Lyceum Theatre, Millennium Gallery, and Kelham Island Museum.
Music and Festivals – Hosts Tramlines Festival, Sheffield DocFest, and various vibrant local music events.
Sports and Leisure – Home to Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday football clubs, world-class sports facilities, and the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.

Previous Growth & Performance

The capital growth in Sheffield has been consistent over the last 10 years. Although Sheffield remains a more affordable location compared to some other cities like Manchester and Leeds.
The average property in Sheffield is priced at £220,000 as of the start of 2025.
Sheffield’s rental market has experienced significant growth in recent years, due to the demand for rental properties in the city.

Forecasts for Growth

Savills Capital value forecasts for 2025–2029 predict that growth across the Yorkshire will be 28,2% over the next 5 years. The two biggest cities in this region are Leeds and Sheffield, with both expected to see steady growth in capital values.
Rental growth is expected to continue in the city due to increasing demand for quality homes.