South Africans can buy affordable property in this European city
A new development in Nottingham could offer South African investors affordable entry into the United Kingdom’s property market with pound-based rental income, strong capital growth potential, and fully managed investments.
PropWealth UK, a specialist advisory firm helping South Africans invest in the United Kingdom’s property market, recently announced the launch of the Lakeside Development in Nottingham.
This development allows South African investors to secure entry-level United Kingdom-based income streams in pounds sterling, diversify offshore, and benefit from one of the country’s fastest-growing property markets.
Historically, Nottingham, a city in the East Midlands of England, was a centre of the lace industry and bicycle manufacturing.
Today, the city primarily bases its economy on retail, tourism and healthcare, and has consistently ranked as one of the United Kingdom’s top investment cities.
This is due to its strong professional sector and proximity to two major universities, which provide education to over 75,000 students.
Compared to other major cities, property in Nottingham is relatively affordable. According to the United Kingdom’s Office of National Statistics, the provisional average house price in Nottingham in June 2025 was £191,000.
In comparison, the average home in the United Kingdom sold for £269,000 in June 2025 – £78,000 more than the Nottingham average.
There is also a growing demand for high-quality rental accommodation in the city. In June 2025, Nottingham’s average monthly private rent was £989, a 7.4% increase from £921 in July 2024.
“Apartments, particularly those near universities and city centres, offer strong potential for capital growth and rental income,” said UK property investment company API Global.
“City centre apartments also attract young professionals seeking convenience and an urban lifestyle. For investors, apartments require lower maintenance and holding costs than houses.”
Opportunity for South African investors
“We understand the challenges South African investors face – currency volatility, local market uncertainty, and the need for secure offshore growth,” said PropWealth UK’s South African director, Anthony Doyle.
“The Lakeside Development gives investors a rare opportunity to protect and grow their wealth in the United Kingdom, while enjoying the security of passive income in pounds sterling.”
The Lakeside Development will feature 150 one- and two-bedroom apartments, with projected yields of 7%.
Prices start from £164,995 (R3.9 million) and can be mortgaged at favourable rates. The development specifically aims to attract students and young professionals looking for premium city living.
Notably, more than a third of the city’s employees are under 30, placing affordable apartments in a good position to benefit.
According to PropWealth, key benefits of Lakeside for South African investors include:
- Offshore Diversification: Secure assets in a stable, pound-denominated market
- Passive Pound Income: Rental returns paid in GBP, providing a natural rand hedge
- Capital Growth Potential: Nottingham’s property market continues to outperform the United Kingdom average
- Hands-Free Investment: Fully managed, from tenant placement to ongoing maintenance.
Lakeside is also well-connected by a network of roads, rail, and public transport, making it easy for tenants to get to wherever they need.
The location is accessed from the A453, two miles southwest of central Nottingham. The A453 and the A52 (0.5 miles distance) provide direct access to junctions 24 to 26 of the M1 – the three M1 junctions which serve Nottingham.
Nottingham train station is 1.5 miles northeast of the site and is accessed by the A453. From Lakeside, the Medilink bus route provides direct linkage to central Nottingham.
The route provides a continual service throughout the day at approximately ten-minute intervals from the Queens Drive 450 space park and ride (0.25 miles from Lakeside) to central Nottingham.
Lakeside
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