Our search begins in Liverpool where real estate investment properties are forecasted to see substantial returns over the next five years. As the European City of Culture in 2008, Liverpool has been undergoing regeneration over the past few years. Much work has gone in to revitalising the Duke Street area, resulting in a fashionable new shopping and arts district. Liverpool’s China Town has also seen serious development with many modern warehouse apartments. A thriving business centre with an international airport and an expanding University population, Liverpool has obvious benefits for rental income.

Real estate investment properties currently for sale include a number of trendy one-bedroom warehouse flats in Cornwallis Street L1, marketed from £120,000 to £140,000 on the NorthwoodUK.com website. Estate agent King Sturge has numerous one-bedroom flats available in the L3 university district starting from £119,950. And if you are looking for a spectacular penthouse apartment in a stunning development look no further than Alexandra Tower in Princess Dock where a 2-bedroom unit is available for £375,000 from BrightSale.com.

Leeds is another area under regeneration where real estate investment properties are expected to see significant price increases . Leeds is the UK’s second financial centre after London and has a large university population. Holbeck to the south of Leeds is the latest focus for regeneration where prices of attractive, traditional Victorian terraces are expected to appreciate dramatically over the next five years. Holbeck benefits from good transport links with a local train station and is walking distance from the city’s theatre district. Your Move is currently listing a five-bedroom terrace in the area for £149,995.

If you would prefer to select real estate investment properties in Leeds city centre, property consultants Sanderson Weatherall have over 50 one and two-bedroom apartments ranging from £95,000 to £400,000. These include several £130,000 units in a modern development built by the international design group Yoo.

One of the most affordable places for real estate investment properties is Scotland where prices are almost one-third less than the national UK average. Scotland is also seeing higher-than-average growth due to economic prosperity from high oil prices. Head to the thriving university regions of Dundee, Aberdeen, Edinburgh or Stirling and you’ll find some good buy-to-let prospects.

In Dundee, Your Move is currently marketing a spacious three-bedroom flat in a converted mill close to the city centre for £137,950. If you prefer a brand-new development, Construction and Property Marketing are launching Discovery Wharf with two and three bedroom apartments from £161,000 and £187,750.

Boasting an international airport and a great history, Aberdeen is full of potential for real estate investment properties. Gavin Bain & Co currently holds a wide range of properties in Aberdeen from £68,500 to £450,000, including a two-bedroom apartment in Candlemakers Lane for £165,000. For the same price, Andersonbain & Co is marketing a three-bedroom semi-detached family home in the popular Sheddocksley area.

Taking advantage of a buyer’s market means that investors will be looking to the long term for significant returns on their property price. However, in the current property climate, forecasters are expecting Scotland to top the list of property price growth in the UK over the coming year. If you are buying to let, the university towns have obvious attraction and whether you are looking to renovate a character property or buy into a brand-new development there is much to be found.