CityRise

CityRise, a UK property investment agency built around off-plan and BMV sourcing

CityRise presents itself as one of the UK’s leading property investment agencies and describes its activity as sourcing investment opportunities, including off-plan and below-market-value (BMV) properties, for investors seeking to build or expand a portfolio. The company states that it was founded after identifying a gap in the market for an honest and transparent agency capable of offering a fully hands-off investment experience.

The agency reports that its founders have sold more than £265 million worth of investment property across the UK, and that the company as a whole has sold £450 million in properties, completed 43 end-to-end developments, built a database of 51,000 investors and manages more than 800 tenants.

How the agency works with investors

CityRise frames its service as a personalised investment experience intended to help clients meet both short- and long-term goals under one roof. The process begins with a free consultation with a property investment specialist, after which the team works with the investor to identify suitable opportunities. The agency states that its role does not end when a property is reserved and that it accompanies clients throughout the investment journey.

Its services are organised into three main areas: sales services, lettings and management, and furniture packages. The sales side covers legal support, mortgage services, sales progression and handover and aftercare. For investors seeking a hands-off approach, the lettings and management service includes sourcing professional tenants, ongoing maintenance and tenancy renewals.

Types of property investment promoted

The agency distinguishes three categories of investment product:

• Off-plan property investment: properties still under construction or not yet completed, such as new builds. CityRise argues that entering at the development stage can offer potential for higher returns as values typically rise upon completion, producing immediate capital appreciation.
• Off-market property investment: properties that are ready and available for sale but are not listed publicly. The agency states it has exclusivity on a range of off-market investments across the UK, giving its clients priority access.
• Below-market-value property investment: properties available for less than their true market worth, often because sellers need to move quickly due to relocation, financial difficulty or the need to release funds for other investments. CityRise says it has a sourcing team dedicated to identifying BMV properties across the UK.

CityClub, the investor membership scheme

CityRise operates CityClub, a membership aimed at investors. Members receive a dedicated property investment consultant and first access to exclusive off-market opportunities. The club also includes access to incentive packages, below-market-value deals and invitations to members-only networking events where investors can meet other investors and industry professionals. The agency lists portfolio planning, BMV deals, incentives and networking events as part of the CityClub proposition.

Current developments listed by the agency

At the time of writing this profile, the CityRise website listed the following developments, with prices, yields, completion dates and lease lengths as published:

• Pergola Residence, Greater Manchester: prices from £227,950, completion Q1 2028, lease length 999 years.
• Kelham Exchange, Sheffield: prices from £175,950, yield 6.87%, completion Q1 2028, lease length 999 years.
• Whitefriars, Hull: prices from £146,750, yield 7.43%, completion Q3 2027, lease length 999 years.
• Westgate Place, Wakefield: prices from £189,950, yield 7.58%, completion Q4 2026.
• Aire Gardens, Leeds: prices from £197,000, yield 6.4%, completion Q2 2028, lease length 999 years.

Market view and investor resources

CityRise maintains that the UK property investment market is known for its resilience and its ability to deliver short- and long-term returns. It points to cities in the North West, Yorkshire and the Midlands as areas with particularly strong potential, citing affordability, rental demand and capital growth. The agency also publishes free investment calculators and investment guides, as well as city guides and a blog covering market news and insights.

On returns, the agency states that average rental yields generally range between 5% and 8%, and that below-market-value properties can often be secured at 10% to 20% under their true value, providing scope for higher yields and short-term renovation and flip projects.

Referral scheme and client base

CityRise operates a referral scheme that pays up to £500 for every property recommended through the agency. It states that many of its clients arrive through word of mouth. The agency says it works with both first-time investors and those with extensive portfolios.