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Dec 18, 2017
Wythenshawe
In the past, Wythenshawe has been unfairly characterised as the ‘largest council estate in the UK’. Not only is this factually incorrect, but it also suggests that the area isn’t going anywhere fast. In fact, Wythenshawe one of the few areas in Manchester where prices are still affordable. According to Zoopla, the average property price in Wythenshawe is £154,635, which stands in stark contrast to an average price of £206,734 across the rest of the city. Last year, the average house price in Wythenshawe increased by £4,000, which shows how the local property market is starting to heat up. HOUSING STOCK Wythenshawe contains a variety of housing stock, which means there's property which is suitable for families, young professionals and the buy-to-let market. There are rows of Victorian terraced houses which have an average price of just £129,876, while a semi-detached property will cost around £144,707. Modern apartments and new-build developments are also available in the local area, although these typically cost around £200,000. TRANSPORT LINKS The primary reason that Wythenshawe is tipped to become a property hotspot is the amount of investment which is planned for the area. In 2014, a new MetroLink line opened, linking Manchester Airport with the city centre. There are several stations on this line in the Wythenshawe area such as Benchill, Crossacres, Wythenshawe Town Centre, Robinswood Road, Peel Hall and Shadowmoss. Trams run every 12 minutes into the city centre and towards the airport. The £280m expansion of Manchester Airport is also expected to create new jobs which will provide a further boost to the local economy. Wythenshawe also offers easy access to the M60 and M56 motorway which connect the area with Greater Manchester, Liverpool, and North Wales. LOCAL SCHOOLS The Wythenshawe area is home to several primary schools which perform very well during Ofsted inspections. For example, Northenden Community School was judged to be ‘outstanding’ by inspectors, who awarded it top marks after a visit last year. For secondary education, St Paul’s Catholic High School, Manchester Health Academy and Manchester Enterprise Academy have all received positive Ofsted reports. LOCAL AMENITIES Wythenshawe has something for everyone. Covering 109 hectares, nearby Wythenshawe Park is one of the largest green spaces in Manchester. The park includes a community farm which is open to the public and is home to cows, goats, pigs, sheep, horses and ducks. The park also contains Wythenshawe Hall, a 16th-century manor house which is currently being restored after a fire, so it can be opened to the public once again. If you fancy a night out, the Tatton Arms is a traditional pub owned by Robinsons Brewery. Alongside local ale, the pub also serves a range of classic British dishes. If you have children, the nearby Norbrook Youth Club is open to boys and girls aged 8 to 18. If you want to venture further afield, the Metrolink makes it easy to get into Manchester city centre. If you're looking to buy an affordable property with great transport links and local amenities, then Wythenshawe could be the place for you.
Nov 20, 2017
Timperley
If you're looking to buy a property in Manchester, you may have been thinking that Trafford is the perfect place for you. However, Trafford’s desirability means that house prices in the area are out of reach of many people, with average prices in Altrincham standing at a massive £459,970. However, you should not be disheartened. The small village of Timperley, located just to the northeast of Altrincham, offers all the benefits of living in Trafford without the price tag. The average semi-detached house in the area costs £314,491, while the average cost of a terrace is just £229,290. Aside from being more affordable, Timperley also offers a host of other benefits. SCHOOLS AROUND TIMPERLEY If you have children or are planning to start a family in the near future, the location of your home could have a significant impact on the quality of your children’s education. Timperley is located in the catchment area for some of the highest performing primary schools in Manchester. These include St Hugh’s and Park Road Primary which both received top marks during the latest Ofsted inspection. The secondary schools in the area are just as impressive, with St Ambrose, Loreto Grammar School, and the two grammar schools for boys and girls in nearby Altrincham offering a premier educational experience. FAMILY FRIENDLY Timperley is the perfect place to raise a family. There is a wide range of quality housing stock in the area, which means you can be certain of finding a property which will make the perfect home for you and your loved ones. The village-like feel, and the open spaces such as Beech Fields mean that there is a safe space for children to run around and play in the great outdoors. If you want to escape to the countryside, the stunning Dunham Massey park is just a short drive from the village, providing a great location for walks and picnics. The Timperley Cricket Club runs family fun days on a regular basis, providing a chance for the community to get together. TIMPERLEY'S TRANSPORT LINKS Timperley is located on the Metrolink system, which means you can quickly get to neighbouring Altrincham and its wonderful marketplace. Heading in the opposite direction, the Metrolink tram will take you into the heart of Manchester city centre in just 25 minutes, so you can enjoy the shopping, entertainment and restaurants on offer. A train from the Navigation Road railway station will take you to Manchester Piccadilly in just 25 minutes, where you can access regional and mainline train services. Timperley also offers easy access to the M56 and M60 motorways, which makes it a very popular choice for commuters who travel across the north-west by car. The village is also just a few miles from Manchester Airport, which means you won't have to travel far when jetting off on a business trip or a holiday. If you're looking for all the benefits of living in Trafford at a reasonable price, then Timperley could be just the place for you.
Nov 9, 2017
Altrincham
If you're looking to purchase a property in Manchester, you may have noticed that property prices in Altrincham are much higher than the surrounding areas. In fact, the average property price now stands at £431,295, compared to an average house price of £162,247 across the Greater Manchester area. So why do homes in this market town to the south of the city attract a premium price tag? Read on to find out more. EXCELLENT SCHOOLS One major attraction is the quality of the schools in the area. Here, you'll find some of the best primary and secondary schools in the country, such as Altrincham Boys School, Altrincham Girls School, St Ambrose and Loreto. This increases competition among parents who want to live in the catchment area for these schools, so their child can enjoy an excellent education. The impact that schools have is demonstrated by the sharp rise in property prices for homes nearby. It isn’t unusual for a property on the street next to St Ambrose or the Grammar School for Girls to fetch £1.5m. INVESTMENT IN THE AREA In recent years, Altrincham has enjoyed increasing levels of investment, with a plan to spend a further £70m approved in 2016. As a result of this investment, trendy apartments have transformed the town centre and attracted young professionals to the neighbourhood, who are bringing new life and energy to the area. The change in demographics has seen the number of independent businesses in the area increase. A range of new bars, shops and restaurants have appeared on the high street, and the Goose Green Summer Festival attracted over 4000 people last year, who enjoyed music from established and up-and-coming artists. These factors are helping to breathe new life into the area while still maintaining its community feel. TRANSPORT LINKS Altrincham has great transport links into the centre of Manchester which makes it very popular with commuters. Regular trains can get you to work in the heart of the city in just 35 minutes, and at the weekend, the train service also provides quick and easy access to the art galleries, shops, museums and theatres of Manchester. The town also benefits from the Metrolink service, with trams running every 6 to 12 minutes into the city centre and the surrounding suburbs. Altrincham is located just a few miles from Manchester Airport, which makes it an ideal location for those who often have to travel abroad on business. There's also easy access to the M62, M6 and M56 motorways. FANTASTIC FOOD If you love food, then you'll love Altrincham. In the centre of the town, there is a 19th-century market which contains fishmongers, butchers and greengrocers as well as craft stalls. Next to the covered market is a Grade II-listed building which houses some of the best artisan food and drinks outlets in Manchester. If you're looking for a friendly and vibrant place to live, which offers all of the joy of city living with none of the stress, then Altrincham could be the place for you.
Oct 14, 2016
Romiley, Bredbury & Woodley
Working around in Manchester or Stockport does not mean you have to live your whole life in a busy commercial centre. There are plenty of towns in commuting distance that have great access to nature and the pleasures of country living, and two very attractive options are Romiley and Woodley. Here’s why... 1. NATURE: THE PEAK DISTRICT Far and away one of the biggest draws of both Romiley and Woodley is that they serve as a kind of gateway to the Peak District. This means you can be an easy commute from your job in Stockport, and still have one of the country’s most beautiful national parks on your doorstep. So, you can work in the city and take advantage of a world of outdoor activities. With over 200 square miles of open access land, the park offers endless amounts of trail walking, including the Pennine Way National Trail, a part of the E8 European Walking Route, which extends all the way to Turkey! Additionally, Parsley Hay and Ashbourne, both 50 minutes to an hour from Romiley and just a few minutes farther from Woodley, have well-equipped cycle hire companies, ready to outfit you for some weekend joy-riding. Finally, for the most adventurous nature lovers, there are a number of campsites in the Peak District where you can pitch a tent and spend the night. 2. CONVENIENCE: TRANSPORT LINKS But living in Romiley or Woodley isn’t just about the ease of getting outdoors; it’s also about being in the right spot for your commute – and if you happen to work in Stockport, you'll find both towns extremely convenient. Woodley is about 15 minutes from Stockport on the 330 bus from Ashton, which leaves every 30 minutes during rush hours. For Romiley, take the 383 bus, which takes just under half an hour. Both buses drop you off at the city centre bus station, so you are likely to be an easy walk from work. Additionally, Romiley is around 20 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly Station on the train, while Woodley to Manchester takes just 4 or 5 minutes longer, meaning that an evening out in the big city is easily doable. 3. THE TOWNS THEMSELVES Romiley and Woodley are very well positioned between the city and the country, but they are also great places to call home. Woodley has the scenic Peak Forest Canal running through it, and five lively pubs anchor the town’s nightlife. Young families will also have their choice of two excellent primary schools, Woodley Primary School and Greave School. Meanwhile, Romiley boasts four historic conservation areas, protected by local official to preserve interesting aspects of the town’s architecture and history: the Barlow Fold, Chadkirk, Church Lane and Greave Fold. The Romiley Primary School is also an excellent educational institution. Whether you have just landed a new job in Stockport or you have been working there for years, if you are missing nature and small-town life, moving to Romiley or Woodley is one of the best decisions you can make.
Aug 1, 2016
Work in Manchester, Live in the Countryside
Are you a country person with a city job? It’s a tough situation to be in, and unfortunately it’s an all too common one in our modern urbanised world. The good news, if you work in Manchester, is that the countryside isn’t so far off, so you can easily take full advantage of rural life while working in town. It’s just a matter of finding the right countryside home, a reasonable distance from your office. There are definitely loads of great reasons to choose this kind of commute. The countryside around the Manchester area offers no end of opportunities for enjoying nature. Here are just a few of the great places you can go, and things you can do: The Carrs Park: One of the tamest options, and great if you are a family with young children, the Carrs Park sits along the Bollin River and is a lovely, well-designed outdoor environment. There is a great playground and a circular walk that stretches for about a mile. You can also get in your fair share of paddling in the river. Alderley Edge: If your family is slightly more adventurous and the kids are a bit older, you can check out the fantastic views on offer with a walk around Alderley Edge. There are a range of walking options here that will get the explorers in your family right out into the natural world. It's also a birdwatcher’s paradise; you can see woodpeckers, woodcocks, bullfinches, ravens, and much more. The nearby Hare Hill Garden with its additional hiking options means you’ll never run out of possibilities, even if you go every weekend! Bruntwood Park: Sporty types might want to head on over to Bruntwood Park where there are plenty of football pitches, 18 holes for pitch and putt golf, and a BMX cycle track. There’s something for everyone here, because Bruntwood also has its share of beautiful gardens and waterways, and an excellent toddler play area complete with a bouncy castle. The park’s Vinery Restaurant, housed in a gorgeous restored Victorian conservatory, is a great place to feast and unwind, once everyone has had their fun. The Ice Cream Farm: If your family’s day out needs to be inspired by some enticing treats, than the best place to aim for is the Ice Cream Farm in Tattenhall. Part adventure and part sweet-tooth paradise, the Farm is a great place to play some games, ride some rides and enjoy some of the best ice cream in the region. The place is also home to Europe’s biggest indoor sand and water play area. Cycling: Country living is also especially good for cycle enthusiasts who want to get out and explore in every direction. If that’s you, be sure to get yourself equipped for adventure at Rick Green Cycles in Wilmslow, where the equipment is top-notch and the staff are even better! The local area offers many more opportunities to get out and enjoy nature, which what makes living in the country a great option for anyone working in Manchester. Contact Property Genius for more information and friendly advice on local properties.