The Blog
- Show all categories
- Uncategorized
- Guides and Tips
- News and Local Updates
- Area Guide
Mar 7, 2018
Glossop
Located on the edge of Derbyshire, the beautiful market town of Glossop is a gateway to the stunning scenery of the Peak District. Dating back to the 12th century, Glossop is home to pretty stone cottages and Victorian buildings. The town is within easy reach of the bright lights of Manchester, but also provides a great base for those who want to explore the countryside. HOUSING STOCK There is a wide range of different types of property available in Glossop, with many streets lined with Victorian terraces. In recent times, many of the town's mills have been converted into modern apartments. The area also features a number of farmhouses and cottages. You can expect to pay between £90,000-£200,000 for a Victorian terrace or cottage, depending on its location. Farmhouses are on the market for between £375,000-£800,000, varying with the size and location of the property. On the whole, Glossop is an affordable area to live in, with an average house price of £196,495 which is just above the overall average for Greater Manchester. TRANSPORT LINKS Glossop has excellent transport links. Trains call at Glossop railway station on a regular basis, and the journey time into Manchester Piccadilly is around 30 minutes. If you drive, it is just a 15 minute trip on the M67 to connect with the M60, M62 and M56 motorways. The town is also on several bus routes, which means it's easy to travel into Manchester or to other towns in the Peak District using road transport. LOCAL SCHOOLS Glossop is home to a good number of primary schools. Many of these, such as Duke of Norfolk CofE Primary School, and Dinting Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School, were rated as ‘excellent’ in recent Ofsted reports. For older children, there are the highly rated St Philip Howard Catholic School, and Glossopdale Community College which provide secondary education. LOCAL AMENITIES Glossop high street is home to a range of pubs and shops, many of which are located around the stunning Norfolk Square. In recent years, there has been a boom in the number of independent retailers who have set up shop alongside more established brands. There is no better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than browsing the local bookshops, art galleries, butchers and designer clothes outlets. Pubs such as the Norfolk Arms, the Beehive and the Oakwood serve a range of local ales and tasty food made using local produce. If eating out is your thing, Glossop boasts a range of restaurants which serve Indian, Italian, Spanish and Chinese food. Glossop is also the ideal place for active people. The town has a gym, a tennis club, and plenty of green spaces where you can enjoy the outdoors, such as Manor Park. Manor Park features formal gardens, woodland, a lake and river, and a children’s play area. If you are looking to buy a house in a rural location, but you still wish to be connected to city life, Glossop could be the ideal location for you and your family.
Feb 25, 2018
Didsbury
With its tree-lined streets, tranquil green spaces and beautiful buildings, the suburb of Didsbury is one of the most sought-after areas to live around Manchester. Didsbury is actually three separate areas, which each have their own vibe. West Didsbury is full of independent businesses and trendy bars and restaurants, while East Didsbury is a more sedate residential spot. Finally, Didsbury Village is the heart of the area and features boutiques, high-quality supermarkets and restaurants. HOUSE PRICES Property prices reflect the desirability of Didsbury. According to Zoopla, the average price stands at £326,995. The property market contains a mix of new build houses and apartments, which are located in Didsbury Village, and large Victorian houses and 1930s semis located in West and East Didsbury. A new build flat will set you back around £140,000, while a large Victorian property will cost around £500,000. TRANSPORT Didsbury is very well connected to the surrounding areas via regular bus services. Buses run once a minute on the Didsbury High Street/Wilmslow Road route, making it one of the busiest routes in Europe. East Didsbury railway station is served by trains which run into the city centre, Manchester airport (which is just 4 miles away) and TransPennine services to Yorkshire and the east coast of England. Didsbury is connected to the Metrolink tram system by the East Didsbury tram stop. Trams run every 12 minutes and allow residents to commute into the city centre in under half an hour. SCHOOLS Beaver Road Primary School and Broad Oak Primary School were both rated as outstanding in recent Ofsted reports. Barlow RC High School and Parrs Wood High School were both rated as good by Ofsted. In 2019, a new free school, Didsbury High School, is due to open, and was established by the Trust which manages the renowned Cheadle Hulme High School. AMENITIES The area has large green spaces between East and West Didsbury and the Village, which means you won’t have to travel very far before you can enjoy some relaxing outdoor time. Marie Louise Gardens and Didsbury Park are especially popular with families. For a real treat, visit the nearby Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden. The area also boasts several golf clubs and the Didsbury Cricket Club, which make it a great location if you enjoy sports. If you would rather take part in something a little less demanding, Didsbury is also home to a cinema, bowling alley, casino and gym. If you enjoy your food and drink, Didsbury is one of the best spots in Manchester to grab a drink or a bite to eat. Classic pubs such as The Metropolitan in West Didsbury serve a range of local real ales and fine wines. Didsbury is also home to cocktail and wine bars, and offers up food from around the globe. The Spice Club is an award-winning Indian restaurant which is very popular. If you fancy something a little less spicy, the Olive & Vine serves a range of Mediterranean dishes, and the Okitchen serves classic Japanese food. If you are looking for an area which has a village-like feel, but all the amenities of city living, then Didsbury could be the place for you.
Feb 15, 2018
Chorlton
Located 4 miles from Manchester city centre, Chorlton has much to offer those looking for a comfortable place to live. The area is home to some of the trendiest restaurants and boutiques and tends to be populated by liberal-minded residents. Below is a guide to everything you need to know about this area of Manchester. HOUSE PRICES Buying in Chorlton isn’t the cheapest option. According to Zoopla, the average house price in the area is £306,172, which is much higher than the £188,096 average across Greater Manchester. The area contains a range of housing stock, with a variety of different sizes and styles of buildings. Many larger properties have been converted into apartments. The average price of a flat in Chorlton is £178,684, with terraced housing selling for around £292,000. A large four-bedroom Victorian house on Beech Rd or Edge Lane will typically be priced from £330,000 to £500,000. TRANSPORT Chorlton is very well connected via three Metrolink stations at Barlow Moor Road, St Werburgh’s Road and Chorlton itself. There are a large number of different bus routes which connect the area with surrounding suburbs and the city centre. The M60, M6 and M56 motorways are just a short drive away along fast A-roads, which makes the area ideal for those who commute by car. Manchester airport is around a 20-minute drive to the south. SCHOOLS The area is home to a number of excellent schools. Following a recent Ofsted report, Chorlton C-of-E, Chorlton Park Primary School, Brookburn Community School and the Islamic High School for Girls were all rated as outstanding. Local primary schools Oswald Road and Barlow Hall were both rated as good. AMENITIES AND EVENTS Chorlton is home to some of the best pubs in Manchester. If you fancy a little tipple, pubs such as The Beech, Horse and Jockey, and Laundrette on Beech Road are the perfect places to quench your thirst. The area is also home to trendy cocktail bars such as Dulcimer and Man Bites Frog. If getting out and about is more your thing, then Chorlton has no shortage of green spaces to enjoy. Chorlton Park is located to the south of Chorlton heading towards Didsbury, while to the west you will find the larger Longford Park, which features a zoo, lake and golf course. Throughout the year, there are a number of cultural events which take place in Chorlton. In April, the Chorlton Big Green Happening occurs. This free festival offers a fashion show and clothes swap, local food and drink, music, a vinyl sale and yoga and dancing classes. The Chorlton Arts Festival is usually held during one of the May bank holiday weekends, and features film screenings, live music, poetry, and stand up comedy. Every November, the area hosts the Chorlton Book Festival, which features contemporary writers and poets reading and discussing their work. So, if you are looking for a property which is in a hip and happening part of the city, Chorlton could be the perfect place for you!
Jan 23, 2018
Knutsford
In March 2017, Knutsford was voted the best place to live in north-west England. The judges of the 'Sunday Times Best Places To Live' awards consider a range of factors, such as the quality of life, transport links and local amenities, as well as visiting the areas to speak with locals. But is Knutsford really the best location to buy a house? Read on to find out more. GREAT SCHOOLS Knutsford is home to a number of good primary and secondary schools, such as Bexton Primary, Vincent’s RC and Mobberley CofE Primary School, which all performed well in recent Ofsted inspections. Knutsford Academy is an excellent secondary school which serves the local area. There are also a number of private schools in the district. FAMILY FRIENDLY The judges from the Best Places To Live awards noted Knutsford's village feel and commented on the close-knit community. These make Knutsford a great place to raise a family. The town is surrounded by miles of countryside, which means it's very easy to get out in the fresh air. Tatton Park, which features a deer park, gardens and a farm, is just a short drive away. The town also has a good cinema, which means you don’t have to travel into the city to see the latest Hollywood blockbuster. If you enjoy the occasional 18 holes, the Mere Golf Club is located a short distance from the town. FOOD AND DRINK While it has its share of traditional country pubs, there is much more to Knutsford than real ale and Sunday roasts. The town features a number of chic and modern restaurants, such as the popular Italian chain Piccolino. King Street is full of small bars and independent restaurants and cafes, such as Belle Epoque and The Botanist. For afternoon tea, you can call in at Victoriana Vintage Tearoom, located just off King Street, to enjoy their selection of delicious cakes and scones. TRANSPORT LINKS Even though Knutsford is located deep in the Cheshire countryside, it is still very well connected. It's easy for drivers to reach the M6 motorway which provides links to the Midlands and the North, and the M56 which links Manchester and Chester. Knutsford is also very close to Manchester Airport, which makes it ideal if you are planning on taking a trip abroad for business or pleasure. A regular service to Manchester departs from the local train station and gets you into the city centre in around 45 minutes. HOUSE PRICES The high-quality schools, large homes and rural setting come at a price. The average house price according to Zoopla currently stands at £499,537. However, the picturesque detached properties located in the centre of town, such as those on Legh Road, can sell for anywhere between £2m and £5m. A terraced house in Knutsford will cost around £310,000. All of the evidence suggests that Knutsford really is one of the best places to live in the north-west. If you are interested in finding out more, contact us today! 1 Likes
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 5, 2017
Number of First Time Buyers On The Rise
First time buyers are on the rise in the UK according to new data, a development that is causing commentators to be cautiously optimistic about where the housing market is heading. THE NUMBERS A monthly report released by Connells Survey & Valuation in July found that first-time buyers were behind roughly 50 per cent of all purchase valuations on properties in the UK. That's a 6% rise over the five-year average. The news followed directly on reports from UK Finance that in June the first-time buyers market was "soaring", having risen 26% on the previous month and 9% on the figures for the same month a year earlier. It was the highest rate in over ten years. All this points to a steady uptick in the numbers of families, couples and individuals who are taking real steps towards becoming property owners for the first time. CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM Despite what sounds like a promising trend in what has been a relatively troubled UK housing market for the past few years, the experts are not completely ready to celebrate just yet. John Bagshaw, Connells Survey & Valuation’s corporate services director, points out that when prospective property owners show interest in purchasing a home by getting a valuation carried out, it does not automatically indicate that they have the means to do so. He explained that, while the market has had a significant boost in demand from those eager to become homeowners, encouraged by a solid employment situation and low mortgage rates, purchasing a home may not actually be feasible at this point for many would-be buyers. "Economic conditions are still tough," Bagshaw said. He added that the problems that have plagued the UK housing market in recent years – including skyrocketing property values and ballooning general cost of living – still make it difficult for the average person to save for a deposit. Bagshaw pointed to the fact that house prices are roughly eight times higher than average earnings, and going up nearly twice as fast, at a rate of about £10,000 a year. He indicated that first-time buyers could use some help achieving their dream of becoming property owners, and suggested that they might be given a pass when it comes to stamp duty. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE BUY-THE-LET MARKET The seemingly healthy signs in the private market are also hiding some not so healthy figures when it comes to commercial real estate. The number of new buy-to-let landlords entering the market has declined. The Connells Survey & Valuation report points to recent government policies that have dealt a blow to incentives for entering the rental market. These policies include the increases in stamp duty and the reduction in mortgage relief for buy-to-let landlords. Bagshaw said that the trend does not mean that the buy-to-let sector has collapsed, but that it is increasingly dominated by existing landlords rather than new ones. He pointed to the stamp duty surcharge, as well as the recent policy blows to tax relief on mortgages for buy-to-let investors as the main culprits that could be preventing new landlords from setting up shop.