Moving to Manchester

Buyers and renters are choosing the North over London for more affordable living. Therefore, investors are targeting areas outside of London for stronger capital growth and higher rental yields. Particularly London’s biggest rival.

Manchester is one of the most exciting buy-to-let ares of the UK. This alone makes Manchester an investment hotpot, and quite the rival for London. There is even forecast to be a further 20,000 people relocating in the next three years.

With this in the pipeline, rental demand is only due to increase. In just 20 years, Manchester alone saw an impressive 330% rise in property prices, with a leap to £250,000 from £200,000 back in 2017. As for the average rent in Manchester, the city has seen a 14% rise from last year, becoming the third city in the UK with the largest increase in asking rents. This is only expected to rise, with a 23.5% property price growth and an 18.2% rent growth in Manchester between 2022 and 2025.

Due to Manchester’s ever-growing popularity and, consequentially, the rising cost of living, more buyers and renters will continue to migrate to the outskirts of the city centre and into commuter towns and suburbs of Greater Manchester and beyond.

10-minute train to the city centre

Ashton-under-Lyne

Ashton-under-Lyne is another one of the best places to live in Manchester, perfect for commuting. This historic market town is growing in popularity by being one of the many areas in Greater Manchester with ongoing regeneration projects.

Due to Ashton’s more affordable property prices than most Manchester suburbs and great location, the population has seen a spike in recent years. As a hub of connectivity and an easily accessible location, Ashton is one of the best areas to live in Manchester for young professionals with rental demand being so high.

Ashton-under-Lyne has its own tram station, with a 45-minute Metro link every 12 minutes, direct to Manchester. A train station, many bus routes, and a 30-minute drive are also on offer when commuting from Manchester to Ashton.

From the famed Ashton Market to its proximity to the Peak District, there are plenty of things to do in Ashton-under-Lyne. It is one of the best areas in Manchester for first-time buyers.

Less than 45 minutes’ drive to the city centre

Wigan

An industrial town in Greater Manchester, Wigan is one of the few areas in Manchester to have 70% of it dedicated to green spaces. For a town with a rich history in coal mining, to also have two canals and two woodland parks is nothing short of idyllic.

Areas in Wigan consist of large industrial spaces, suburban neighbourhoods, and small rural communities. Not one but two train stations are on offer for Wigan to Manchester commutes. The Wigan to Manchester train takes up to 45 minutes, which is the same time for driving, too. Commuting by tram is also on offer, with a 50-minute journey to Deansgate and connections farther into the city.

With multiple trains from Wigan to Manchester, its mix of neighbourhoods, and a plethora of green spaces, Wigan is one of the best places to live in Manchester for both families and young professionals.

10-minute direct train to the city centre

Stockport

Stockport has seen a wealth of independent restaurants, bars, shops, and art increase in the last few years. With a growing reputation as a growing food and drink scene, it is proving a hotspot for young professionals.

Three possible train lines are on offer for commuting from Stockport to Manchester, which take as little as 10 minutes. If driving, commuters can expect a 35-minute journey instead.

Proudly named as ‘one of the coolest little corners of the country’, Stockport has seen an increase in popularity. The town’s old architecture and cobbled streets only increase its appeal. With a plethora of independent amenities and country parks, Stockport is proving to be one of the best places to live in Manchester.