Area Guide: Leicester

Leicester is a friendly, diverse city with good transport, great schools and plenty to see and do. It’s affordable, welcoming and full of green spaces, making it an attractive place to live.

Why buy in Leicester?

House prices in Leicester remain competitive compared with many UK cities of similar size. The range of property types supports different needs, from city flats to suburban family homes.

The city has a diverse population and a wide choice of shops, food outlets and community facilities. Residents can enjoy several large parks, sports centres and public health services.

Key employment sectors in Leicester include textiles, manufacturing, logistics, food production, education and health care. Large employers such as hospitals, universities and distribution companies offer plenty of job opportunities.

Leicester’s location gives access to larger employment centres without the high living costs of cities like Birmingham or Nottingham.

Combined with a stable job market and affordable homes, these factors make Leicester a practical place to buy a property.

Leicester’s location and surrounding area

Leicester sits in the East Midlands and has direct connections to several major routes. The M1 runs to the west of the city and links Leicester to London, the South East and northern regions.

Junctions at Leicester Forest East and nearby Loughborough provide access to local and regional destinations. The A46 and A47 connect the city to Coventry, Hinckley, Market Harborough, Peterborough and rural areas across Leicestershire.

Leicester’s train station is on the Midland Main Line, and East Midlands Railway operates regular services to London St Pancras, Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield. Journey times to London are around one hour and ten minutes on fast services. Rail links also support commuting for students and workers and improve access to regional airports.

Cycling routes have expanded in recent years. The council maintains several dedicated cycle lanes and shared use paths that link residential areas with the city centre and major facilities.

East Midlands Airport is located about thirty minutes away by road, offers domestic and international flights. Birmingham Airport is accessible by rail and road and provides long haul connections.

Schools and education in Leicester

Leicester has a wide network of primary and secondary schools, including state, academy and independent institutions. School performance varies by area, so families often assess Ofsted reports and local admissions policies when choosing a school.

Further education is provided by Leicester College and other training centres. These institutions offer vocational courses, apprenticeships and adult education. Technical qualifications and industry linked programmes support sectors such as construction, engineering, digital technology and health care.

The University of Leicester is known for research in space science, genetics, medicine and social sciences. De Montfort University specialises in creative subjects, engineering, business and health studies. Both universities attract students from across the UK and abroad.

Redevelopment projects in Leicester

Leicester has several ongoing and planned regeneration schemes. Many focus on improving infrastructure, business capacity and public spaces.

The Corah Works project will bring up to 1,100 new homes to a prime, sustainable city centre location, creating vibrant new public spaces and strengthening connections between the city centre and Abbey Park. Corah Green will be reborn as a major civic space, joined by a new canalside park, play areas and extensive tree planting. Access for cars will be limited to the site’s perimeter giving pedestrians and cyclists freedom to move safely through the site.

Leicester station is undergoing a £22 million redevelopment that will deliver upgraded passenger facilities. As part of the project, the station’s main entrance will be moved from London Road to Station Street.

New homes for sale in Leicester

• Development: Waterside
• Developer: Keepmoat
• Address: Leicester, Leicestershire, LE3 5BY



 


The final phase of this landmark development by Keepmoat has now launched. 2 bedroom apartments and 3 & 4 bedroom houses are available, all designed for modern living with bright interiors, flexible layouts and high quality finishes.

• Development: Stoughton Park
• Developer: Bellway
• Address: Oadby, Leicestershire, LE2 2GH



 


Stoughton Park is a new collection of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes in Oadby, Leicestershire. Just under five miles from Leicester city centre, it’s perfectly placed for families, first-time buyers and commuters alike.

• Development: Thorpebury in the Limes
• Developer: Davidsons homes
• Address: Thurmaston, Leicestershire, LE7 3AX



 


Thorpebury in the Limes, by Davidsons Homes, offers a range of 2, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom Georgian & Victorian style homes. The development is located in the new village of Thorpebury, close to Thurmaston and Leicester.

• Development: Pear Tree Fields
• Developer: Lagan Homes
• Address: Ratby, Leicestershire, LE6 0LS



 


Pear Tree Fields is located in the historic village of Ratby, just five miles northwest of the city of Leicester. The development offers 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes designed for modern living.