Buying a Property in Leicester

Leicester is a city rich in history and culture, with many interesting facts that highlight its unique character. Here are some key points about Leicester:

1. Historical Significance: Leicester is one of the oldest cities in England, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 2,000 years. The Romans established a settlement called Ratae Corieltauvorum, which later became known as Leicester.

2. King Richard III: The city gained international attention when the remains of King Richard III were discovered in a car park in 2012. He was the last Plantagenet king of England and died in the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. His remains are now housed in the King Richard III Visitor Centre and the nearby Leicester Cathedral.

3. Cultural Diversity: Leicester is one of the most multicultural cities in the UK. It has a diverse population, with significant communities from South Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. This diversity is celebrated through various festivals, such as Diwali and the Caribbean Carnival.

4. Education Hub: Leicester is home to several universities, including the University of Leicester and De Montfort University. These institutions attract students from around the world and contribute to the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

5. The King Power Stadium: Leicester is famous for its football team, Leicester City FC, which made history by winning the Premier League in the 2015-2016 season. This remarkable achievement is considered one of the biggest upsets in sports history.

6. Rich Cultural Scene: The city has a thriving cultural scene, with numerous theatres, galleries and music venues. The Curve Theatre, for example, is a major performing arts venue that hosts a variety of productions, from musicals to plays.

7. Historical Landmarks: Leicester boasts several notable landmarks, including the medieval Guildhall, the beautiful Leicester Cathedral and the stunning Jewry Wall, which is one of the largest surviving Roman structures in the country.

8. Great Food: Leicester is known for its diverse culinary scene, with many restaurants offering dishes from around the world. The city is particularly famous for its Indian cuisine, and the Golden Mile, located on Belgrave Road, is a popular destination for authentic Indian food.

9. Parks and Green Spaces: Leicester features many parks and green spaces, such as Abbey Park and Victoria Park, providing residents with areas to relax, exercise and enjoy nature.

10. Innovative Businesses: The city has a growing economy with a focus on innovation and technology. Leicester is home to various industries, including textiles, manufacturing, and life sciences, making it an attractive location for businesses and job seekers.

These facts illustrate Leicester’s rich heritage, cultural diversity and vibrant community, making it a unique and appealing place to live and visit.

So why consider Leicester for a property purchase? Finding the right place to buy a home can be a daunting task, but Leicester stands out as an excellent option. With its rich history, diverse culture and relatively affordable housing, investing in Leicester can be a smart decision for anyone looking to settle down. From its vibrant community to strong transport links, Leicester offers many benefits for homebuyers.

One of the most attractive features of Leicester is its affordability. Compared to larger cities like London or Birmingham, property prices in Leicester are much lower. This allows buyers to find spacious homes without breaking the bank. For instance, a family might purchase a three-bedroom house for a reasonable price, giving them more space and comfort. This affordability makes it easier for first-time buyers to enter the property market and start building equity. There is a strong shared ownership market in the City.

Leicester is also known for its rich cultural diversity. The city is home to various communities, each contributing to the vibrant atmosphere. This mix creates a unique environment where people can experience different cultures, cuisines and festivals. For example, the annual Diwali celebrations in Leicester attract thousands of visitors and showcase the city’s multicultural spirit. Living in such a diverse area can enrich one’s life and provide a sense of belonging.

Another significant advantage of buying in Leicester is the strong transport links. The city is well-connected by road and rail, making it easy to travel to other major cities. Leicester Railway Station offers direct trains to London, Nottingham, and Birmingham, which is ideal for commuters or those who enjoy weekend getaways. With good public transport options, residents can get around the city easily, whether for work or leisure.

Leicester’s thriving economy is another reason to consider buying a home there. The city has seen considerable growth in recent years, with various industries, including technology, health care and education, expanding. This economic development creates job opportunities for residents and attracts new businesses to the area. As the economy continues to grow, property values are likely to rise, making it a smart investment for the future.

In conclusion, buying a home in Leicester can be a wise move for many reasons. The combination of affordable housing, rich cultural diversity, strong transport links and a growing economy makes the city an attractive place to live. As always you need to do your homework and research all aspects, including the financial ones. Investing in Leicester not only provides a comfortable home but also opens the door to a vibrant community and a promising future. Embracing this opportunity can lead to a fulfilling life in a city that has so much to offer.

As with any investment decision, when buying a property it’s vital that you do your homework carefully. As well as fully researching the location and market that you are looking to buy in, it’s vital that you seek advice of experts, including surveyors and financial advisors. Alexander JLO, its Partners and employees cannot provide specific advice on choice of location or the market but can advise on all matters legal once you have made a decision to buy a property.

If you are looking for a first rate conveyancing service why not give one of Alexander JLO’s specialist property lawyers a call on 020 7537 7000, click on the get a quote button or email quote@london-law.co.uk for a free, no-obligation quotation? Come and see what we can do for you.

This blog was prepared by Alexander JLO’s property partner Matt Johnson on 1st May 2025 and is correct at the date of publication. Matt has many years of experience of dealing with property work and specialises in new build and shared ownership properties.  His profile on the independent Review Solicitor website and be found here