Greater Manchester

There are two main strategies buyers tend to follow when looking to purchase a new property. People often either buy a home in a location which is highly sought after, and has house prices to reflect this, or snap up a place in an up-and-coming destination.

Greater Manchester is a fantastic place to live, and many of the city’s suburban areas – like Didsbury and Chorlton – have soared in popularity over the years. Consequently, so too have house prices, which means many young couples and families are struggling to get together a deposit for a house.

However, there are two places in Greater Manchester that are well worth buying a property in now, as there are lots of newbuild developments here that makes purchasing a home a lot more affordable than if you were to live in the city centre. Below is a brief guide to each destination.

Oldham

Oldham is a town that is just around 20 minutes by car from Manchester city centre and half an hour by bus, although the planned arrival of the full Metrolink in 2025 will also provide a boost to its transport links.

The arrival of the tram will no doubt help boost the popularity of homes in the town, especially if there are commuters who cannot afford city centre prices, but need to easily get into Manchester. Oldham itself boasts its own attractions, including the Spindles shopping centre. The recent opening of the Mahdlo youth hub is also great news for families in the town, as it is open seven days a week and provides activities such as dance, drama and climbing.

Kids are also well catered for in terms of schools. There is a large selection of state primary and secondary establishments, while Hulme Grammar is known for its high academic achievements. Oldham Sixth Form College boasts a wide range of courses, so you need not look outside of the town if you want your children to enjoy an impressive education.

Oldham is well connected via the M62, as well as lots of other major roads, so if you like the great outdoors, you can be in the stunning Peak District in around an hour. This means you can enjoy long bike rides and hikes in the national park, which is a beautiful part of the UK.

Higher Broughton

Higher Broughton is in the Salford suburb of Broughton that is the ideal compromise between living in a city and enjoying lots of green space. Whether you have little ones or simply want to enjoy fresh air while walking the dog or going for a run, Blackleach and Clifton Country Parks, as well as Albert Park, are all nearby.

Living in the city of Salford – which is also part of Manchester, perhaps confusingly – affords you a fantastic social life. The Lowry Hotel is located in Salford, so if you want to treat yourself, you can spend the day at its spa before tucking into its extensive cocktail menu. It is also home to plenty of atmospheric pubs, which are perfect for a night out with friends or your partner. The Barton Arms and the John Gilbert are just two such establishments.

Higher Broughton and Oldham are around a 25-minute drive from one another, so similarly, you can also enjoy everything the Peak District has to offer. The Trafford Centre and Legoland are also popular places to visit in the evenings and weekends, and you can easily get here by car or public transport.