After a turbulent period of high inflation, rising taxes, Covid and ever-changing regulations, the UK commercial property market is finally showing signs of resilience.

Together’s new report, Cities in Focus 2025: Commercial Property Insights, has taken a deeper look into where opportunities in the sector lie, highlighting a renewed sense of optimism.

Research we conducted for the report found that 89% of landlords are intending to remain in the commercial property sector through 2025, and around a quarter will be reinvesting rental income from their existing portfolios back into the market.

Back to the office

Demand for office space is on the rise; driven by hybrid working models and businesses seeking high-spec, flexible spaces. According to our report, 82% of property professionals consider office investments over the next five years as a good opportunity, with 16% expecting revenue to grow by up to 30% by 2030.

Despite two years of decline, retail sales too have now risen by 1.4%, totalling £517bn last year alone. The first quarter of 2025 saw continued growth of 1.7% year-on-year, and whilst challenges remain 76% of investors we surveyed now see retail as a good long-term area of investment.

This goes beyond just the capital, as regionally too we are seeing a shift. With the recent announcement of a £15bn investment from the government into the UK’s transport infrastructure, we are likely to see an increased focus on other hubs across the UK. In our report, we took a closer look at three of these key regional cities; Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.

In Birmingham, 70% of professionals told us that they expect to see continued growth in the city’s office and retail markets. The city has a particular strength in its location. With excellent transport links through the M6, M5 and M40 as well as rail and air access, it is perfectly positioned for retail and logistics companies – which have boomed with the rise of e-commerce.

Northern powerhouse

Manchester, the North’s commercial powerhouse, is thriving across multiple commercial sectors. Retail remains a key focus for the city, with 77% of professionals viewing it as a solid opportunity, and a further 40% stating that they favour semi-commercial assets. Buy-to-let investment in the area is also on the rise—Together’s own buy-to-let lending figures show that rental property investment in Manchester jumped 92% year-on-year to £52.5m in 2024.

Even further north, Glasgow is undergoing its most significant regeneration in half a century. High streets are being revitalised, and new chain openings are increasing footfall – Glasgow is home to Scotland’s longest shopping street, Dumbarton Road, which boasts a wealth of cafes, shops and restaurants. Our research shows that 80% of potential investors are confident in the city’s retail market, while 98% are actively considering semi-commercial property opportunities.

For brokers, there is a lot to capitalise on. Those who take the time to understand the nuances of regional markets and emerging asset classes, such as semi-commercial properties, student accommodation and logistics, will be best placed to guide clients towards high-potential investments.

Brokers who take the time to learn about the commercial property will be well placed to capitalise on this new resurgence and help their clients.

Michelle Walsh is head of intermediaries at Together