Local estate agents have named the best areas that are both affordable and within commuting distance to the city centre
Buyers are looking further afield for better value properties(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Living in Manchester is desirable for many people, with its huge offering of things to do, its array of bars, cafes and restaurants and many employment opportunities.
But over the years, it is no secret that both the city centre and sought-after suburbs such as Didsbury, Chorlton and Ancoats have become more unaffordable, pricing many house hunters out of these areas.
With house prices in central Manchester continuing to climb, many buyers are now looking further afield for better value properties, without losing easy access to the city.
Greater Manchester has a range of areas offering homes that are not only more affordable than Manchester, but are still within commuting distance and have good local amenities.
Sign up to our Manchester property newsletter here
The M.E.N has spoken to some estate agents across the region who have named the best areas for house hunters who are being priced out of Manchester.
House prices have all gone up between three and 14 percent in each of these areas over the last year, indicating a strong level of demand from buyers.
New Moston and Failsworth
Failsworth is considered to be a great place for house hunters being priced out of Manchester(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Around four miles from the city centre are new Moston, a suburb of Manchester, and Failsworth, a town in Oldham, which sit side by side.
They both have easy access to the M60, whilst boasting their own local amenities making them attractive alternatives for first-time buyers and young families.
“New Moston and Failsworth have seen a spike in sales, being only 4-5 miles away from the city centre and offering the same urban feel as Manchester on a smaller scale, with major supermarkets, thriving high streets and good schools,” says Matt Clayton, a branch co-ordinator and valuer at Ryder & Dutton.
“Both have everything people are looking for in terms of quick and easy transport links back into city centre, with tram stations, train stations, bus links and the M60 being right on the doorstep.”
Failsworth has affordable properties(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
House prices in New Moston are much cheaper than the average in Manchester, with the most common type of property being semi-detached homes which sold for an average price of £235,508 over the last year.
Properties in Failsworth are also more affordable than Manchester with an overall average of £224,495 over the last year.
“These areas are a natural next move for city centre dwellers, not only because of proximity to Manchester, but also because properties here are much more affordable and can be seen as an investment,” Matt says.
“Property prices are only going to go up in these ever-popular areas. That’s why first-time-buyers and young families are flocking this way.”
Monton
Monton is an attractive area for house hunters(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Monton, a vibrant village in Salford, has become one of Greater Manchester’s ‘most desirable spots’, according to Claire Carpenter, a branch manager at Thornley Groves in Monton.
It boasts a lively high street lined with independent cafés, restaurants and bars, as well as a strong community feel which is a big draw for families and young professionals alike.
“Monton strikes the balance between affordability and lifestyle,” says Claire.
“If you’re being priced out of Manchester but still want to stay close to the action, Monton is a place where you can enjoy a village lifestyle, strong sense of community, and more space for your money — all within a short commute of the city.”
The area offers a mix of traditional Victorian terraces, larger family homes, and modern apartments.
There are an array of restaurants, pubs and bars down Monton Road(Image: Vincent Cole – Manchester Evening News)
“First-time buyers are often attracted by the character terraces, while families appreciate the semi-detached and detached homes available at more accessible prices compared to Manchester’s city fringe,” adds Claire.
Property prices compare very favourably to some of Manchester’s most sought-after areas. If you’re looking at apartments, Monton averages at just £194,000, while in Ancoats the figure is closer to £261,000.
The average terraced house in Monton is around £315,000, compared with £436,000 in Didsbury.
The M602 and M60 are close by, making commuting simple, while frequent bus services and nearby train stations keep Manchester city centre within easy reach.
Mossley and Stalybridge
Mossley is an affordable alternative to Manchester (Image: Manchester Evening News)
The former mill town of Mossley in Tameside, which sits between Manchester and the Peak District, has been recommended as a more affordable alternative to Manchester by local property expert Matt.
The chocolate box town boasts gorgeous scenery and cheaper-than-average homes with an average house price of £216,960 over the last year.
The majority of properties sold in Mossley during the last year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £179,864. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £296,920, with detached properties fetching £324,912.
Earlier this year it was named as one of the best places to live in the UK by The Sunday Times, who noted its scenic views of the Pennines and short 17-minute train ride to the city centre, as well as its pleasant offering of cafés, restaurants and pubs.
Stalybridge is an ideal commuter town(Image: LDRS)
Matt says he has also seen a surge in interest in Stalybridge, another town in Tameside, as an alternative to the city centre which is just a 12-minute train ride away.
House prices have gone up by a whopping 14 percent in Stalybridge over the last year, showing it is fast becoming a sought-after area.
Properties were priced at an average of £247,846 over the last year, with the most sold being terraced homes selling for an average price of £188,267. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £247,112, whilst detached properties are priced at around £441,314.
“While a little further out at 10-12 miles from the city centre, Mossley and Stalybridge are great for forward planners who might be looking for places to bring up families and enjoy a more village vibe than city centre living,” Matt advises.
“There are some excellent schools. They’re also right on the doorstep of Saddleworth and all its cool bars, restaurants and shops, but a lot more affordable.”
Royton
Royton has more affordable house prices and a lot to offer(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Royton, a town in Oldham, is another affordable and desirable option for house hunters who are being priced out of Manchester, although it is slightly further afield.
“It’s never been more popular for home buyers, a lot down to the emerging independent scene and new bars and restaurants, which is bringing a fresh energy to the centre and younger home buyers,” says Matt.
“It’s these millennials that I think are really contributing to the rise of Royton, moving in and changing the feel of the place.”
Homes were priced at an average of £249,578 over the last year, which is 9 percent up on the previous year.
The most popular type of properties sold in Royton during the last year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £186,487. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £242,079, with detached properties fetching £410,163.
Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE