Leicester and Derby have emerged as top UK cities for commercial property investment in 2025, according to a survey by the Alan Boswell Group. The study ranked 31 major cities based on business closure rates, crime levels, retail sales performance, and rateable property values.
Leicester secured the top spot with a score of 7.06/10, benefiting from retail sales reaching 100.3% of 2019 levels and a modest 3.79% increase in rateable value over five years. The city also reported low crime rates, with only six shoplifting cases and around one non-residential burglary per 1,000 businesses, making it an attractive location for investors.
Derby ranked third with a score of 6.99/10, supported by strong retail sales at 102% of 2019 levels and a low non-residential burglary rate of one per 1,000 businesses. The city’s commercial property market appears stable, with a lower level of empty premises relief (£193,291 per 1,000 businesses) compared to Leicester (£261,469 per 1,000 businesses), suggesting higher occupancy rates.
Both cities offer a favourable environment for commercial property investment, with steady demand and low business closure rates contributing to their strong rankings.
