INVESTORS placed a £750m vote of confidence in Manchester's thriving commercial property market in 2007, favouring shops, offices and factories.

The biggest deals of the year included Argent's £113m sale of two office and apartment buildings at Piccadilly Place to Carlyle Group; and Credit Suisse's £95m purchase of 3 Hardman Square in Spinningfields.

Also featured in this commercial property review...

• Figures: 2007 office lettings, property sales and investments, industrial and retail lettings (plus developments in the pipeline).
• David Thame examines the city centre's landmark deals and the changing economy's relationship with the market.
• A closer look at those two massive deals for Piccadilly Place and 3 Hardman Square. 
• What lies ahead for Salford and Salford Quays.
• Sport giant Adidas's move to Trafford Park - 2007's most valuable Manchester industrial deal.