Introduction to Public Transport in Leicester
For buy‑to‑let investors partnering with us at 365 Invest, understanding the significance of Public Transport in Leicester is essential to maximising rental demand, tenant quality, and long‑term capital growth. Fast‑evolving, Leicester’s transport infrastructure, from electrified buses to regional rail links, is shaping tenant choices and making certain developments particularly compelling.
Public Transport in Leicester and Commuter Tenants
Leicester benefits from excellent transport infrastructure, which directly enhances its appeal to renters. Rail services from Leicester city centre connect to London St Pancras in just over an hour, with additional lines to Birmingham, Nottingham, Sheffield, and Derby. For professionals seeking commuter convenience, properties near the railway station continue to enjoy strong, consistent demand.
Bus Services and Connectivity Improvements
An ambitious “Bus Service Improvement Plan” is injecting over £9.3 million into a clean, frequent electric bus network – including the free Hop! service in the city centre. Complementing this, the transformative Leicester Transport Plan commits to carbon‑neutral, zero‑emission public transport by 2030, underpinned by the Leicestershire Enhanced Partnership with Euro V1 and electric vehicles. We at 365 Invest expect this network will elevate bus‑adjacent neighbourhoods in tenant appeal and rental stability.
Electrification: Cutting‑Edge and Sustainable
Leicester’s First Bus depot is among the UK’s first outside London to go fully electric, rolling out 86 electric buses by March 2024 and supported by £2.9 million in ZEBRA funding. Tenants increasingly value cleaner, quieter, more reliable transport, qualities that resonate with modern, eco‑aware tenants, particularly students and young professionals. As a result, investments secured near major bus routes stand to benefit from rising tenant preference and stronger yields.
Strategic Regeneration and Transport-Led Development
The Leicester Transport Plan has secured approximately £80 million in government funding for transport improvements through to 2030, with over £59 million confirmed for 2026–2030. Key upgrades include pedestrian crossings, cycle corridors, bus lanes, resurfacing, and lighting. Sites such as Ashton Green and St George’s Cultural Quarter will directly benefit from this infrastructure uplift. At 365 Invest, we actively select developments in regeneration zones benefitting from these transport investments, placing our investors ahead of the curve in areas primed for capital appreciation.
Public Transport in Leicester and Student Appeal
With more than 60,000 students attending the University of Leicester, De Montfort, and Loughborough nearby, Public Transport in Leicester is critical to the growing student rental market. Hassle‑free bus and rail access to campuses and city amenities ensures high occupancy in HMOs and city‑centre apartments. Our launch of student‑focused developments like The Old Ground, adjacent to universities and transport nodes, reflects this demand and typically delivers strong rental returns.
The Role of Public Transport in Property Valuation
Another reason Public Transport in Leicester is a key factor in tenant appeal lies in its direct impact on property values. National studies consistently show that properties located within 500 metres of high-frequency bus routes or railway stations command a premium, both in terms of capital value and rental income. In Leicester, this is especially evident in areas like Clarendon Park, West End, and the Cultural Quarter, all locations where we offer investment opportunities. As the transport network continues to expand and modernise, the value of proximity to public transport is only set to grow, making it a crucial consideration in any long-term investment strategy.
Enhancing Tenant Experience and Retention
Beyond transport, tenants increasingly value holistic connectivity, walkable streets, cycle‑friendly routes, real‑time travel info, and well‑lit bus stops. Leicester’s integrated approach, such as transit‑oriented developments with inclusive pedestrian and cycle routes, aligns with features we prioritise in our projects. Developments with these features attract higher‑quality tenants who stay longer, improving net returns and reducing turnover costs.
Conclusion to Public Transport in Leicester
Public Transport in Leicester is a key factor in tenant appeal, it drives commuter value, supports sustainable living, attracts students, and underpins smart regeneration. At 365 Invest, we identify and deliver properties in Leicester that stand to benefit most from these ongoing transport enhancements. For investors seeking reliable rental yields and capital growth, aligning with Leicester’s transit‑led evolution is a proven strategy. Partner with us to access developments positioned right on the routes that matter most.
