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Original poster

First home in Manchester location advice

100 replies

Sultanm12 · 03/12/2020 16:48

Hi guys!
So as the subject really. Me and my partner are looking to buy our first home in Manchester and we're looking for some advice on location or any other need to knows when it comes to buying houses or the mortgage process etc. I've read a few threads on here and there's a lot of discussion, which is insightful, but nothing has been cleared up for me to help my search.

So, I'm working from home at the moment but I am expecting to return to my office, which is just south of Knutsford, in March/April. My partner has finished her master's and is looking for a job which we assume to be near Manchester city centre. So, I was thinking if we live in between Knutsford and Manchester the commute for both of us won't be as painful.

We're looking for a 3 (or more) bed, preferably detached, in a quiet, diverse, safe area. And of course reasonable public transport links to Manchester city centre and ease of access to Knutsford by car. For 250k. Too much to ask? Xmas Grin

Safety is my main requirement really. We like our own space to ourselves hence why we want a detached house in a quiet area. But I know that might not be possible with our budget.

We're looking at either side of, but not including, Wythenshawe (sale, Altrincham, Stretford - Cheadle, Wilmslow, Heald green, possibly Stockport?).

I know some people suggest renting first to get an idea of different areas and different streets but I feel like that is infeasible in our situation. We did live in Rusholme for 3 years as students and it wasn't amazing haha.

If anyone would like to share their opinions, tips or even an example property on Rightmove or something, it would be greatly appreciated!

OP posts:
floofycroissant · 04/12/2020 11:06

@Sultanm12 hmm no where near as diverse as Manchester, but I'd say it's pretty fair compared to a lot of the South Mcr/Cheshire suburbs (Handforth, Wilmslow etc). Last time I was there, had a great Nepalese, Turkish, Lebanese etc. They'd also just launched Pride week for the town.

In terms of lifestyle Altrincham market have opened up their latest venue in the town, there's a new rock climbing centre and a 10 minute drive and you're out walking in the Peaks. There's the monthly treacle market and biannual Barnaby Arts and Music festival.

Daisy829 · 04/12/2020 11:07

There are some pockets of baguley which are quite nice. I’ve just had a look on Rightmove & there’s one on Amberwood Drive which is on an estate just off shady lane. It’s okay round that area, very family oriented. My brother used to live in that location and never had an problems. Was a nice little community.
Also in Broadheath you might find something around the Pochard Drive area but I can’t see any listings atm. On the Stamford Brook estate which is new build I think there might be some shared ownerships that come up.

Original poster
Sultanm12 · 04/12/2020 11:24

@borageforager

Surely you can still buy in Stretford for under £250k??
There seems to be a fair amount. I'm just unsure which areas within Stretford are decent. There's some in Chorlton too near the water park. I'm unsure if that's decent too.
OP posts:
MummaGiles · 04/12/2020 11:26

I’d consider Urmston. Might be a slight compromise geographically but I think you would do alright there.

emmathedilemma · 04/12/2020 11:35

I think you need to consider your transport links and narrow down areas from that.
The advantage of Altrincham is that you'd have the tram and train into Manchester and the train to Knutsford. BUT you won't get a 3 bed house within your budget, especially one that's close to the station. Likewise Timperley and Navigation Road areas.
Stretford, Urmston and Flixton are all good for access into Manchester city centre and will be cheaper but the commute to Knutsford could be pretty awful coming back in an evening.
I would also look around the south side of Warrington, there's some nice areas and the commute to Knutsford wouldn't be too bad but it would mean a train into Manchester as you don't want to drive that at rush hour!

Original poster
Sultanm12 · 04/12/2020 11:50

[quote floofycroissant]@Sultanm12 hmm no where near as diverse as Manchester, but I'd say it's pretty fair compared to a lot of the South Mcr/Cheshire suburbs (Handforth, Wilmslow etc). Last time I was there, had a great Nepalese, Turkish, Lebanese etc. They'd also just launched Pride week for the town.

In terms of lifestyle Altrincham market have opened up their latest venue in the town, there's a new rock climbing centre and a 10 minute drive and you're out walking in the Peaks. There's the monthly treacle market and biannual Barnaby Arts and Music festival.[/quote]
Macclesfield didn't make the list as I thought it would be too far. But it's firmly on now. Being closer to the peak District is even better. Thank you for the suggestion and information.

OP posts:
Original poster
Sultanm12 · 04/12/2020 11:54

@Daisy829

There are some pockets of baguley which are quite nice. I’ve just had a look on Rightmove & there’s one on Amberwood Drive which is on an estate just off shady lane. It’s okay round that area, very family oriented. My brother used to live in that location and never had an problems. Was a nice little community. Also in Broadheath you might find something around the Pochard Drive area but I can’t see any listings atm. On the Stamford Brook estate which is new build I think there might be some shared ownerships that come up.
"Shady lane" isn't selling the area well Grin. I'll keep an eye on the areas you mentioned for any properties that pop up. Thank you for the suggestions.
OP posts:
2me2u2u2me · 04/12/2020 11:58

Not read the whole thread yet but what I would suggest is being more towards city centre, due to the fact that the traffic going into the city is gridlocked, whereas one of you going into Knutsford won't experience that as you're going against the traffic.

Not sure if anyone's recommended Stretford/Urmston, it's a great up coming area, the centre of Urmston has great shops, lovely wine bars and eateries, nice parks, near to Trafford Centre, very near to motorway links, I think it gets overlooked.

Daisy829 · 04/12/2020 11:59

😂😂😂I know! To be honest it’s lots of people like yourselves who buy there. Limited budget but want to be close to Timperley/Altrincham & access the schools but honestly, it’s fine. I would live there & feel safe.

borageforager · 04/12/2020 12:00

In Stretford I would look around Victoria Park - Longford Park area will be out of budget. PP right though, the commute up and down the A56 would be grim.

Daisy829 · 04/12/2020 12:00

As others have said though, Urmston is nice too. I think they have quite a quick train link into Manchester centre.

2me2u2u2me · 04/12/2020 12:00

@borageforager

Surely you can still buy in Stretford for under £250k??
I've just sold my 3 bed semi in Stretford/Urmston border for £260k, there's not a lot for £250 at the moment as I looked to see what mine was worth, and they're getting snapped up really quickly, mine sold within a week of going on.
Original poster
Sultanm12 · 04/12/2020 12:06

@emmathedilemma

I think you need to consider your transport links and narrow down areas from that. The advantage of Altrincham is that you'd have the tram and train into Manchester and the train to Knutsford. BUT you won't get a 3 bed house within your budget, especially one that's close to the station. Likewise Timperley and Navigation Road areas. Stretford, Urmston and Flixton are all good for access into Manchester city centre and will be cheaper but the commute to Knutsford could be pretty awful coming back in an evening. I would also look around the south side of Warrington, there's some nice areas and the commute to Knutsford wouldn't be too bad but it would mean a train into Manchester as you don't want to drive that at rush hour!
Emma you see my dilemma! I did think Warrington was a bit too far again but if it avoids the traffic I guess it won't be too bad. The train is only 20 minutes too which is good! Thanks for the suggestion I'll have a closer look.
OP posts:
Africa2go · 04/12/2020 12:18

@Daisy829

As others have said though, Urmston is nice too. I think they have quite a quick train link into Manchester centre.
You still won't get a 3 bed detached anywhere close to £250k in Urmston. If you can stretch your budget, or compromise on detached etc, there is a train directly into Manchester, and the "back roads" to Knutsford (through Carrington / Dunham) would avoid much of the A56.
Original poster
Sultanm12 · 04/12/2020 12:29

@2me2u2u2me

Not read the whole thread yet but what I would suggest is being more towards city centre, due to the fact that the traffic going into the city is gridlocked, whereas one of you going into Knutsford won't experience that as you're going against the traffic.

Not sure if anyone's recommended Stretford/Urmston, it's a great up coming area, the centre of Urmston has great shops, lovely wine bars and eateries, nice parks, near to Trafford Centre, very near to motorway links, I think it gets overlooked.

I was thinking that because I'm traveling away from Manchester it wouldn't be too bad. Though some people have mentioned the A56 being bad for traffic. I could always go west and take the M6.

There have been a few recommendations for Urmston and Stretford. Stretford was one of the places on my initial list and they're both looking quite good.

OP posts:
Original poster
Sultanm12 · 04/12/2020 16:41

Can I ask people's opinions on Irlam. No one's mentioned it and with house prices low I wonder if there is a reason for that. Apparently it's had an upturn recently but wondering if anyone has any first hand experience.

OP posts:
SwedishEdith · 04/12/2020 18:04

I'd be wary of Warrington atm.

Brexit: Concerns over M6 lorry customs queues at new inland border

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-55160499

bluecitygirl · 04/12/2020 18:13

@borageforager

Surely you can still buy in Stretford for under £250k??
Not a detached, houses are going up quickly here. It is becoming an up and coming area.
Daisy829 · 04/12/2020 18:20

Ugh I’ve just read the news article about the inland customs depot. Potential nightmare. I didn’t know about this & often travel that way.

Timperleybell · 06/12/2020 10:47

@Sultanm12

Can I ask people's opinions on Irlam. No one's mentioned it and with house prices low I wonder if there is a reason for that. Apparently it's had an upturn recently but wondering if anyone has any first hand experience.
There was another recent thread on Irlam and Partington. You get more for your money but they arent as well connected. On driving to Knutsford when in the office I was travelling to Warrington although mostly well before peak times and getting onto the A56 is pretty easy most days and coming back in fine up to around Altrincham Old Market. If you're partner is travelling into town by tram not too many issues.
user81746 · 06/12/2020 13:02

*borageforager

Surely you can still buy in Stretford for under £250k*

There seems to be a fair amount. I'm just unsure which areas within Stretford are decent. There's some in Chorlton too near the water park. I'm unsure if that's decent too.

Are you talking about the ex-council houses next to Chorlton water park? Friend had more than one friend who lived there, they bought them as they were very cheap for 3 bed semi with garden in Chorlton. They quickly moved out again as it is quite rough around there. Not saying you shouldn't look at ex-council houses, they are well-built, well-proportioned and have good gardens. I'd just avoid that area.

user81746 · 06/12/2020 13:11

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/86323259#/

This is next to Fog Lane Park in Withington/Didsbury border. 3 bed semi, ex-LA, offers over £254,950, just been reduced. You would need to look into the area more, but it is better than near Chorlton water park.

borageforager · 06/12/2020 14:22

@user81746

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/86323259#/

This is next to Fog Lane Park in Withington/Didsbury border. 3 bed semi, ex-LA, offers over £254,950, just been reduced. You would need to look into the area more, but it is better than near Chorlton water park.

I grew up around there in the 90s, it was fine then, can’t imagine it’s gone downhill since then what with everyone being pushed out of Didsbury??
thatcountrylife · 06/12/2020 15:00

Just to say the commute from Stockport to Knutsford by car is not great. That bottom section of the M60 from Denton, past Stockport to the M56 is terrible on a morning and floods all the time. Coming home the M56 is bad from before the airport back to the M60.

united4ever · 06/12/2020 17:47

I recommend this map to help identify if it is a nice street or not:

vis.oobrien.com/booth/

Always seems pretty accurate in South Manchester. Will struggle to get anything in green for 250 but maybe in the yellow pockets. Avoid the red if possible.

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