Local property experts say these hotspots offer the best value for money, range of amenities and strong transport links
These are the best places to buy a house in Greater Manchester in 2026(Image: Getty Images)
Whether you’re a first-time buyer hoping to get a foot on the property ladder, a homeowner searching for your next renovation project, or you are looking to downsize, deciding where to buy can feel overwhelming. With a region as vast and varied as Greater Manchester, it can be difficult for house hunters to know where to start.
Buying a home is a huge decision with several factors to take into consideration. Many house hunters are looking for areas that offer affordable house prices, a strong sense of community, convenient transport links and a wide range of local amenities. For families, being close to good schools is also a key factor.
To help narrow down the options, the M.E.N. has spoken to estate agents across the region to find out which areas are tipped to become property hotspots this year. Here are the six Greater Manchester areas they recommend house hunters to consider when searching for a home in 2026.
Didsbury
Fletcher Moss Park & Parsonage Gardens in Didsbury(Image: MEN)
The leafy suburb has long been a sought-after area for house hunters, and that isn’t set to change any time soon. Whilst it isn’t the cheapest part of the region to live – with an average house price of £432,400 – its wealth of attractive amenities, village feel, and closeness to Manchester city centre continue to pull people in.
“Didsbury continues to be one of south Manchester’s most desirable places to live, combining a vibrant village atmosphere with excellent connectivity to the city centre. Known for its leafy streets, period homes and strong sense of community, it attracts professionals, families and downsizers alike,” says David Latus, branch manager at Reeds Rains in Didsbury.
“A key lifestyle draw is the abundance of green space, with Fletcher Moss Park and the River Mersey offering scenic walks, gardens and outdoor activities right on the doorstep. Didsbury’s thriving high street adds to its appeal, packed with independent cafés, stylish bars and popular restaurants, alongside well-known favourites.
“Split into East and West, each area has its own distinct character while sharing outstanding transport links via the Metrolink, bus routes and nearby motorway access. With excellent schools, a lively social scene and consistently strong demand, Didsbury remains a standout location for those looking to put down roots in South Manchester.’
Failsworth
This property is on the market in Failsworth for £200,000(Image: Ryder & Dutton )
This town in Oldham is considered to be more ‘under-the-radar’ than the likes of Didsbury, but estate agents expect it to attract more househunters this year. With an average house price of £222,360, it is considered as an affordable place to live with a strong community feel and varied housing.
“Failsworth will be a popular area amongst buyers in 2026 due to its excellent transport links and wide range of house types available,” says Lewis McLarty, manager of Ryder & Dutton’s Chadderton branch.
“From two-bed terraces right through to three bed semis and large detached homes, Failsworth has a home to suit almost all buyer types and is particularly popular amongst families due to its excellent schools and nurseries.
“It’s also a relatively affordable area, with two bed terraced homes costing from around £180,000 and large detached homes coming in at around £450,000.
“The area also benefits from several good pubs, a selection of supermarkets, a fantastic Indian restaurant and an independent furniture shop that’s a destination in itself thanks to its eclectic products and its excellent café. And for those that want to head into the city centre, they can be there in under 15 minutes if they hop on the Metro, which runs right through Failsworth.”
Middleton
This property is on the market in Middleton for £280,000(Image: Ryder & Dutton)
This Rochdale town is set to become a more desirable area for buyers in 2026 due to investment in the area, as well as its range of good schools, transport links and £220,940 average house price.
“Middleton looks set to surge in popularity in 2026 thanks to the new Mayoral Development Corporation to drive regeneration in the area, which is being chaired by actor Steve Coogan,” says Lisa Royle, co-ordinator at Ryder & Dutton’s Middleton branch.
“This commitment to making improvements in the area is creating a real buzz and we’re seeing increased levels of buyer interest off the back of it, particularly amongst first-time buyers.
“Middleton is also popular because of its excellent transport links, eclectic housing stock, affordability and wide range of schools – it has four high schools and lots of brilliant primary schools too, so families like it here and people who move here tend to stay.
“As well as a large and its own shopping centre, Middleton also has plenty of nice pubs and a few lovely restaurants dotted about. Lots of the big mills surrounding the town- centre are also due to be converted, so we hope to see a surge in new restaurants and bars opening up in the future, as well as a large number of new properties being developed.”
Reddish
Reddish is expected to be a property hotspot in 2026(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
Reddish is a cheaper alternative for househunters wanting to live in Stockport. Found just over four miles south-east of Manchester city centre, it is favoured for its strong commuter links as well as the attractive Reddish Vale Country Park.
“Reddish is fast gaining attention as an up-and-coming area on the edge of Stockport, offering excellent value while benefiting from close proximity to Manchester city centre. With a strong sense of local identity and improving amenities, it’s becoming an increasingly popular choice for first-time buyers, families and investors alike,” says Mark Royle, Reeds Rains branch manager in Reddish.
“Green space is a major attraction, with Reddish Vale Country Park providing beautiful riverside walks, woodland trails and open spaces that support an active outdoor lifestyle. The area’s regeneration has brought new energy to its high street, where independent cafés, local shops and community hubs sit alongside everyday conveniences.
“Well connected by train, bus and road links, Reddish offers easy access to both Manchester and Stockport. Affordable property prices, ongoing investment and a growing community feel make it a location that’s clearly on the rise and firmly on the radar for those looking ahead.”
Wigan
Wigan has been named as one of the best areas to buy a house(Image: Getty Images)
Wigan is known to be Greater Manchester’s most affordable borough to buy a home. With an average house price of £187,800 and ongoing regeneration, it is no surprise that estate agents expect it to continue to attract house hunters in 2026.
“Wigan is fast becoming a property hotspot, and it’s easy to see why. Affordable house prices, strong transport links and a growing range of amenities make it a popular choice for buyers and investors,” says Jessica Driscoll, branch manager at Reeds Rains in Wigan.
“Outdoor lifestyle is a big draw with Haigh Hall Country Park offering miles of woodland walks, a rich historic setting and ongoing regeneration that continues to enhance the area. Popular destinations like Feast at The Mills add to Wigans appeal, bringing food and leisure in one vibrant space.
“Beyond the town centre, Wigan is home to sought after villages such as Standish, Shevington and Orrell each offering popular places to eat and drink, independent cafes, local shops and a strong community feel. Good value well connected and clearly on the up, Wigan is a place more people are choosing to call home.”
For those who may be priced out of some of the region’s most desirable areas, personal estate agent Gareth Yates recommends that house hunters should search a little outside of the sought-after patches. “My advice to buyers at the moment would be to look for areas in close proximity to hotspots for the best value,” he advises.
“If you have your heart set on Chorlton, why not consider Stretford? Thinking Didsbury, go for Northenden. Wanted Timperley but the prices too high why not try Brooklands. In these locations you can play off all the local amenities of the hotspots but benefit from a different community feel and potentially lower prices.
“Similary if you are after M postcodes but finding it a little expensive the SK postcodes are seeing a massive spike in interest, areas like Reddish are always gaining popularity. You can also apply the same logic to the SK postcodes too so if you wanted Cheadle Hulme and found it expensive you could consider Gatley. If you look historically at areas like Ancoats and Levenshulme, the early adopters have profited massively from huge increases in equity and house price.”