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Jun 18, 2018
Macclesfield
Macclesfield is a town located in Cheshire, close to the Peak District National Park. During the industrial revolution, the town was a major producer of silk, which created a great deal of wealth. Today, the town is a vibrant post-industrial community which has a lot to offer anyone who moves to the area. HOUSING STOCK Macclesfield has a wide variety of properties to choose from. You can select from quaint period cottages, traditional terraced properties, or large modern mansions, for example. In recent years, there have been a number of new developments which have seen old mills turned into luxury apartments. A two-bed terrace with a garden will typically cost between £100,000 and £160,000. A three-bed semi-detached property will typically sell for between £170,000 to £200,000. Larger detached properties begin at around £275,000 and upwards. TRANSPORT LINKS Despite being situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Macclesfield enjoys fantastic transport links. The town is served by regular bus services around the Macclesfield district as well as to outlying areas and Manchester. Trains from the local railway station can get you into the heart of Manchester city centre in around 20 minutes. If you wish to commute to the capital, frequent services can get you to London in just 1 hour and 40 minutes. If you are planning to jet off on holiday, Manchester Airport is just a half-hour journey by car or taxi. LOCAL SCHOOLS Macclesfield is home to some excellent primary and secondary schools. Fallibroome Academy is a very popular choice for parents who are looking to send their child to a top performing secondary school. The school received an ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted following a recent inspection. For younger children, St Alban’s Catholic Primary School provides a first-class educational experience. This was reflected in recent Ofsted reports which found that the school was ‘outstanding’. If you would like your child to benefit from a private education, The King’s School and Beech Hall School take in children aged between 3 and 18 years of age. LOCAL AMENITIES Macclesfield boasts some fantastic public parks, which makes it the ideal spot for those who are looking for some green space where their family (and pets) can have some fun. If you are into sport and fitness, the local leisure centre features a swimming pool and athletics track, and the Prestbury Golf Club is just a short drive out of the town. Macclesfield town centre is home to art galleries, boutique shops, and trendy restaurants which serve cuisine from around the globe. On the last Sunday of every month, the famous Treacle Markets showcase local food and drink, vintage clothes and contemporary art. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the town, the glorious hills of the Peak District are just a short drive away. If you are looking to live close to the peace and beauty of the countryside, but still want to be close to Manchester city centre, Macclesfield could be the place for you.
Apr 13, 2018
Tameside
Tameside, which is located just east of city centre Manchester, is home to the towns of Ashton under Lyne, Denton and Hyde. Tameside was a centre of engineering, cotton, hat making and coal mining during the Industrial Revolution. The borough boasts access to affordable homes, good schools, beautiful countryside and excellent transport links to the centre of Manchester. The average house price in Tameside is just £153,438; that's well below the average across Greater Manchester which stands at £206,734. HOUSING STOCK The housing stock in Tameside predominately consists of Victorian terraces, which were originally constructed to house mill workers. However, since the end of WW2, there have also been a number of modern housing estates constructed, which contain attractive semi-detached homes. In the 1970s, larger 3 and 4 bedroom suburban homes also started to appear. In recent years, old mills across Tameside have been converted into luxury apartments. You can expect to pay around £100,000 for a two-bed terraced house in Tameside, with more modern 4 bedroom detached homes in Ashton under Lyne selling from around £200,000. A similar property in a more exclusive area such as Denton will set you back around £400,000. TRANSPORT LINKS Tameside is very well connected. Trains from Hyde Central, Ashton under Lyne and Denton will get you to Manchester Victoria in under 30 minutes. If you prefer to take the bus, the 219 will get you from Ashton under Lyne to the centre of Manchester in just under an hour. The Metrolink from Ashton under Lyne can get you to Manchester Airport in under one hour. If you drive, Tameside offers easy access to the M67 and M60 motorways which provide good links to Liverpool, the Peak District and Leeds. LOCAL SCHOOLS If you have children, you will be pleased to know that Tameside provides excellent educational facilities. The area is home to eight primary and secondary schools which are rated as ‘outstanding’ following recent Ofsted inspections, with St Christopher’s Primary School in Ashton under Lyne receiving particular praise for the quality of its teaching. LOCAL AMENITIES Tameside is a great place to live. Ashton under Lyne, Denton and Hyde are vibrant and energetic towns with local markets, high street shops and small independent retailers. The Ashton Moss entertainment complex located in Ashton under Lyne contains a cinema, restaurants and a bowling alley. In Hyde, you'll find the Hyde Leisure Pool which offers water-based fun for all the family, including a swimming pool, wave machine and water slides. Ashton under Lyne has its own amateur rugby, cricket and football teams. The stunning countryside of the Peak District is just a short journey away; here, you can enjoy long walks, camping, horse riding and cycling. If all of that makes you hungry, you can visit one of the many local restaurants which offer Italian, Indian and Thai dishes. If you're looking for an affordable place to live, which has excellent links to Manchester city centre and to the countryside, Tameside could be the place for you.
Apr 12, 2018
Wilmslow
Nestled on the border between Manchester and Cheshire, the charming town of Wilmslow is known for its famous residents, who include premier league footballers and pop stars. The area is also popular with professionals who work in Manchester, but who wish to live in the beautiful Cheshire countryside. The exclusive nature of Wilmslow is, of course, reflected in its property prices. According to Zoopla, the average property price in Wilmslow is £402,257, which is double the average price of £206,734 in Greater Manchester. HOUSING STOCK The older streets in Wilmslow are home to some charming Edwardian and Victorian properties which tend to fetch a premium price. In the 1960s and 70s, a number of modern houses were built on the edge of the town, and these often include swimming pools, home cinemas and other luxury features. However, if you are looking for something a little more low key, there are modern family homes and smaller ‘cottage’ terraces which are perfect for first time buyers. TRANSPORT LINKS Good transport links have helped to make Wilmslow a very desirable location. Wilmslow is located close to the M60 and M56 motorways, which provide easy access to Manchester, the Lake District and Birmingham. The town is also located just a couple of miles from Manchester Airport, which reduces travel time if you need to take a domestic or international flight. From the train station in Wilmslow, you can reach city centre Manchester in 25 minutes. The frequent trains to London take just 2 hours, which makes it possible to commute to and from the capital on the same day. LOCAL SCHOOLS Wilmslow is home to some of the best schools in Cheshire. For example, the independent Pownall Hall School, which accepts pupils aged between 4 and 11, is rated ‘excellent’ by Ofsted inspectors. Wilmslow High School, which offers secondary and sixth form education is rated as ‘good’ following a recent Ofsted inspection. LOCAL AMENITIES Wilmslow is home to a bustling shopping street and larger department stores outside the town itself. It's populated with high street chains such as Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and John Lewis. Shoppers can also make the most of many small independent retailers who sell a wide range of wares. When it comes to eating out, Wilmslow offers cuisine from around the world, with Chinese, Greek, Italian, Argentinian, Japanese and Indian restaurants located in the town centre and the surrounding area. The cultural delights on offer at the Bridgewater Hall, Royal Exchange Theatre, and the Lowry Centre at Salford Quays are less than an hour away by train or bus. When you want to take some time out to recharge your batteries, Wilmslow places you on the doorstep of the beautiful Peak District National Park. Local events include the RHS Flower Show, which is held annually at nearby Tatton Park, and live music at the spectacular Jodrell Bank radio telescope. If you want to buy a property in an exclusive location which has fantastic transport links and local amenities, the town of Wilmslow is the perfect place to start your search.
Mar 19, 2018
High Peak
High Peak, which is located in the hill country of the northern section of the Peak District National Park, is home to many attractive market towns such as Whaley Bridge, Furness Vale and Disley, but is also within commuting distance of Sheffield and Manchester. The location has much to offer homebuyers who are looking to escape city life. HOUSING STOCK The average price of a terraced property in Disley is £178,494; a similar property in Whaley Bridge is £175,658, while a terraced house in Furness Vale sells for around £128,750. These prices are well below the average house price for Greater Manchester, which stands at £190,500. This makes these locations perfect for first-time buyers who do not have a very large deposit. Semi-detached houses sell for between £194,819 and £263,379. You can expect to pay more for detached properties in these locations, with prices ranging from £320,567 to £479,528 on average. LOCAL SCHOOLS The area is home to many excellent primary schools such as Whaley Bridge Primary School, Furness Vale Primary School and Newtown Primary School, Disley. These schools are located in the towns themselves, which means your children won't have to face a long daily journey across the moors. For secondary education, your child may need to travel a little further afield to New Mills School & Sixth Form, which is located around 8 miles from Stockport, close to the Cheshire border. TRANSPORT LINKS The train from Whaley Bridge or Furness Vale takes around 45 minutes to reach stations in the centre of Manchester, while the train from Disley reaches the city in just half an hour. This makes any of these locations perfect if you wish to commute into the city. Each town is located on the A6, which provides easy access to Stockport and Manchester, as well as the M60 and M56 motorways and Manchester Airport. LOCAL AMENITIES AND ATTRACTIONS Being located in the countryside, High Peak provides great opportunities to enjoy hill walking, climbing and cycling. The small towns dotted along the A6 feature traditional English pubs, which serve great home cooked food and local ales. There are also independent village shops which supply locally sourced foods of the highest quality. Disley is home to Lyme Park, which is the perfect place for some family fun. The park features over 1400 acres of woodlands, a garden and a large country house which is managed by the National Trust. The onsite tearoom offers seasonal local food and cakes. If you would like to venture further afield, a trip Buxton, which is just a few miles to the south, is recommended. Poole’s Cavern is a beautiful cave system which is located deep in the Peak District national park and has been visited since the 1630s. The Cavern is located within the beautiful Buxton Country Park, which is both family and dog-friendly. If you are looking for property in a rural location that's well-connected to the city, the towns and villages in High Peak could be the perfect spot for you.
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