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Original poster

Any tips for a first time buyer home near Manchester City Centre?

159 replies

Gregorianchant · 31/01/2015 14:35

The budget is £80k-£100k, but could maybe stretch a bit for the right property. Would like 2 beds and a safe area not too far from the centre ie walking distance or near to good public transport links. There seem to be a number of 2 up 2 down on Zoopla etc from £55k upwards, but I have no idea what is a good place to buy. The house is intended for 2-3 years for a couple, no DC involved so schools not important.

All suggestions welcome!

OP posts:
Original poster
Gregorianchant · 12/02/2015 10:54

wow, yes I think it would be too much to take on. I won't be moving until after my finals.

Peacy - I really like that flat, lovely views and close to transport, maybe OT is the way forward!

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Viviennemary · 12/02/2015 11:02

I'd think twice about buying in those areas of north Manchester. They are notoriously hard to get a sale when you do come to sell. Flats fare even worse. Of course places like Didsbury are fine and don't have the resale problem but a lot more expensive.

APotNoodleandaTommy · 12/02/2015 11:07

You should seriously consider Stockport, OP. Great transport links and a lot more property for your ££ in safer areas. Edgeley, Cheadle Heath etc

peacypops · 12/02/2015 11:08

It really is an area on the up. That flat is near to my son's primary school. The terrace is a mixture of flats and family homes. You are close to Firswood and Trafford Bar metro and a 5 min walk to a bus-stop for town. We live fairly close and the area has a real community feel. I also second wow in looking at W-Range too as some parts are really nice.

wowfudge · 12/02/2015 12:12

Viviennemary which parts of north Manchester are you referring to please? I'm a bit confused by your post.

Viviennemary · 12/02/2015 12:23

I'm not naming areas. But I agree with Stockport being a better bet if you can't afford areas like Didsbury

wowfudge · 12/02/2015 12:48

Why not Vivienne? None of the places we've been discussing are in north Manchester though, hence my confusion. If you make a statement about areas, like 'notoriously hard to get a sale' you should be able to back it up!

housepicturesqueclub · 12/02/2015 18:26

Surely Stockport is too far out from the OP's requirements.

There are nice parts around Stockport further south but for this money you will have the same issues as Salford/central Manchester, without actually being close to Manchester.

wowfudge · 12/02/2015 18:54

No it's not - walking distance or good transport links were the criteria and they both have cars. They could buy a stone's throw from Stockport station in an area much nicer than the two they've picked out so far.

Original poster
Gregorianchant · 16/02/2015 22:11

We have seen another house in M5 which is spacious and looks good value for money. Is M5 better than M6 and M7 or do you think it is similar? This one advertises itself as near to Media City UK and Salford Quays.

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Lagoonablue · 16/02/2015 22:21

Salford 5 is probably Ordsall. Again I would avoid. Yes it is opposite media city but a world away. There are some new flats etc there but still rough. I wouldn't live there.

bullseyebraces · 17/02/2015 07:43

Have you looked in M32, M33 etc yet?

Treaclepot · 17/02/2015 08:02

Levy is okay, bits of Salford are great, M7 is alright in bits and rough in others. Stretford is definitely on the up, great schools, nice parks, community vibe. Chorlton is overpriced and a bit up its own arse!

housepicturesqueclub · 17/02/2015 10:05

M6 is quite a varied area good/bad, houses range from 80k to 400k depending on which part you're in, so give us the area/place names instead.

wowfudge · 17/02/2015 15:14

M5 is Ordsall and Weaste. Salford 6 was the posh part of Salford back in the day before Worsley was part of Salford, etc. Agree it's very mixed. I stand by what I've said all along: pay more and look in better areas.

wowfudge · 17/02/2015 15:34

If the M5 property is on for more than £80k it's either got more bedrooms than the two you've looked at so far or it's because of its proximity to Manchester City centre. Ordsall and Weaste are not where I would spend that money!

Original poster
Gregorianchant · 18/02/2015 14:56

Thank you for your replies. we are viewing more properties at the w/e - we definitely want to buy, although I appreciate that there are also reasons to wait. However, we want our own place and the market seems very busy up here.

We are particularly interested in two properties - one on Seedley Park Road M6 for £95k, which has 3 beds - and one on Martin St. M5 at £85k which also seems quite spacious, both near to transport links.

Any further comments/advice greatly welcomed!

We can't afford Chorlton/Didsbury, unfortunately.

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wowfudge · 18/02/2015 19:09

Okay - I'd be concerned there are no interior photos of the Seedley Park Road one. I'm really not keen on the area, though it's a better street than some of the others with houses for sale on them. When you view please have a drive around the area. Within a couple of streets it's quite rough. Would you be happy walking home from the metro stop in the dark, etc?

The Martin St one has no front garden and is on a corner so anyone walking past or hanging around is right outside and that's on two sides. On bin day you will probably have all the bins for the street outside your house/back yard there too. In fact there is a stack of bins by the alley gate if you look round the corner on Streetview as I just did when I had that thought!

It's all just a bit soulless round there. Ask who the neighbours are when you view. Are they families, couples, tenants or owner occupiers. Sorry if that sounds snobby, but round there it could make quite a difference.

Do please have a look at houses in Edgeley, Stockport - there are a handful in your price range, walking distance from Stockport station and the bus station. On Streetview there is an appreciable difference in the feel of the area. There are even some shrubs and trees Wink. One in particular on Northgate St is a good size with neutral, modern decor.

Original poster
Gregorianchant · 18/02/2015 19:12

Thanks wow, that's good advice.

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wowfudge · 18/02/2015 19:18

I bet you're sick of me really!

RigglinJigglin · 18/02/2015 19:23

Kelly yes some parts of Eccles are rough, but then it has Ellesmere park and Monton in it where some properties are huge mansions not vastly different to Leigh Rd, and it's a desirable area.

I'm sure we can all point out rough 'areas' of the city if we know it well enough and of sweeping statements that don't help OP.

OP I'm Eccles, Swinton way so if you need a hand let me know. As with all cities there's good and bad next to each other.

wowfudge · 18/02/2015 19:34

So true Rigglin and I thought of Ellesmere Park when I read Kelly's post.

RigglinJigglin · 18/02/2015 19:45

Thanks wow , I hate the Salford bashing that goes on with posts like these, it's no better or worse than other parts of Greater Manchester - but always gets the 'wouldn't go their in the dark line' Hmm There's no justification for it.

wowfudge · 18/02/2015 19:45

I thought Swinton could fit the bill, but public transport is not as good as Monton/Eccles where you have more options.

Original poster
Gregorianchant · 18/02/2015 19:47

No wow, honestly I am really grateful, I promise. There are so many things to think about and I don't want to get it wrong! Manchester seems such a mix even from street to street that it is really hard to know what to do. Thanks also Rigglin and I may well take you up on your kind offer - I just want to see a few more places/houses/areas and try to get a bit more of a feel for it.

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