FTB in Greater Manchester

amethyst39

Hi everyone

Wondering if anyone living in Greater Manchester has suggestions on where to buy?

Preferably on a tram route as I have anxiety and agoraphobia and I don't drive.

I did want to live in Stretford but it seems very unlikely as I have a budget of up to 150k and I am not sure how long I should/could be waiting for something within my budget to come in Stretford.

I ideally want to find somewhere that I can stay long term as I don't want to be someone that moves every two years.

Any suggestions welcome.

Rambosmum

What are you looking for for your budget?

Off the top of my head - Whitefield (slightly cheaper than the trendier Prestwich).

Eccles (should be a good investment though it isn't that great of a place now house prices are rising at a very steady rate) it has good transport networks and some new cafes and bars have recently opened.

Urmston, though theres no tram, there is a train line and the tram is coming to the trafford centre. You'll likely have a budget issue there though, as with Stretford.

Stretford is ok. It's a bit 'nothing' (other than the Mall) as it's sandwiched between Chorlton and Urmston.

amethyst39

Well I would prefer a 2 bedroom apartment preferably with a reasonably sized kitchen. After searching for a while I have adjusted my expectations.

I didn't actually realise that Whitefield is cheaper than Prestwich, I always assumed it would be more expensive. Thank you for the suggestion I will look into it

I need to do more research into Eccles and scope the area out a bit. I did view two houses in Peel Green but I was put off by there being mattresses and microwaves etc. on the street and boarded up windows on the street behind.

I know there isn't much in Stretford but I like the fact it is only 15 minutes on the tram to Manchester and it has good transport links and also close to the Trafford Centre.

I am quite nervous as it is a big investment and I will be buying alone.

thecoffeehouse204

Have you thought about Bury? Good transport links and the tram into Manchester takes about half an hour. Quite a lot in your price range within a 10/15 minute walk of the tram stop or on a bus route that could take you to the tram,

Cakeguts

Also have a look at Milnrow and Littleborough although Littleborough might be too expensive.

SallyDucati

amethyst39 wrote: »

Well I would prefer a 2 bedroom apartment preferably with a reasonably sized kitchen. After searching for a while I have adjusted my expectations.

I didn't actually realise that Whitefield is cheaper than Prestwich, I always assumed it would be more expensive. Thank you for the suggestion I will look into it

I need to do more research into Eccles and scope the area out a bit. I did view two houses in Peel Green but I was put off by there being mattresses and microwaves etc. on the street and boarded up windows on the street behind.

.

I would avoid Peel Green - there are other parts of Eccles that are better. I would look closer to the actual shopping area.

If you are looking for an apartment there are a few but be aware of the management fee adding to the monthly costs.

ACG

Speak to some of the agents? The guys at Vital space in Urmston are really helpful - our office is quite close to theirs, they sold my house and were really helpful. I occasionally call them up for help and advice on some things.

I think the issue with the tram stops is that you have probably missed the boat. Those places went up in value typically when the tram was built. I remember doing a mortgage on a house in Wythenshawe, 2 years later it had shot up in value.

Have you thought about Edgeley? I think houses there will go up in value with the investment in Stockport. You also have the train every 5-10 minutes to manchester and there is talk of getting the tram to stockport, although they have been saying for years and I am not really sure how it will get there.

Eccles seems to be getting more and more popular, I am doing more and more houses in that area for people.

I only really know south and west manchester though so I cant really comment on other areas as I do not know them.

Rambosmum

I'd definitely say look at Eccles then. NOT peel green. Anything off Lancaster road is good, closer to Monton the better. There are some ex council flats across the road from Ladywell tram stop. They are huge inside, and really well insulated and sound proofed. A few friends have bought them. Bit !!!!!! from the outside but solid and a good investment.

amethyst39

Rambosmum
Other than Monton is there anywhere particular in Eccles I should look at?
I have heard about Monton but assumed it would be out of my budget.
Is it the Ladywell tram stop opposite/near Salford Hospital? There is actually a few on the market there that are huge and very reasonably priced. I know I was warned off about that area specifically a few years ago.But in my (admittedly limited) experience of being there in the evening after hospital appointments it seems quiet so I think I will definitely arrange viewings.

thecoffeehouse204
Are there any particular areas in Bury that I should consider? Or just within a mile of the tram stop in general. I think I will see if there are any apartments in the City Centre maybe. Does anyone have any experiences of living in a city or town centre? I am thinking it would be better for transport links but I am aware there are probably cons as well as pros.

Cakeguts
I will have a look at Milnrow it isn't too far from where I used to work years ago but I don't actually know Milnrow at all other than knowing it is on the tram route.

SallyDucati
In terms of the comments about Peel Green I am so glad I didn't buy there after all is there a particular reason people wouldn't recommend it?

Maybe my best bet is to look on rightmove and find properties in different areas, book some viewings and take it from there.

As I am a newbie I don't know think I have mastered the multi-quote thing.

amethyst39

ACG wrote: »

Speak to some of the agents? The guys at Vital space in Urmston are really helpful - our office is quite close to theirs, they sold my house and were really helpful. I occasionally call them up for help and advice on some things.

Thank you for the recommendation. I think it is worth speaking to agents to see if it is actually realistic for me to find a property within my budget in Stretford. I would love to hold out for something in Stretford but I also don't want to wait three months and then realise it is unrealistic and I could have been looking elsewhere.

I think the issue with the tram stops is that you have probably missed the boat. Those places went up in value typically when the tram was built. I remember doing a mortgage on a house in Wythenshawe, 2 years later it had shot up in value.

I think you are definitely right about that. But I wasn't in a position to buy previously so it is what it is.

Have you thought about Edgeley? I think houses there will go up in value with the investment in Stockport. You also have the train every 5-10 minutes to manchester and there is talk of getting the tram to stockport, although they have been saying for years and I am not really sure how it will get there.

I have just looked at Edgeley and I have seen people mention it. Well they did announce yesterday that they are planning to extend the East Didsbury line to Stockport.
I didn't actually realise that Stockport was so close to East Didsbury.

Eccles seems to be getting more and more popular, I am doing more and more houses in that area for people.

I only really know south and west manchester though so I cant really comment on other areas as I do not know them.

I'm guessing that's because it's affordable and close to Trafford and the Trafford Centre maybe?

Thank you for your advice!

Rambosmum

Definitely worth a conversation with local agents about how realistic your budget is.B assertive though, don'y be fobbed off with "yeah we get them up" ask to see what they have sold in the last 3 months in your budget.

Patricroft in Eccles is ok - Essentially the whole area from Patricroft station (Green Lane) toward Eccles town centre. The other way is Peel Green and I would avoid that. It depends if you want an investment or a great place to live right now. Eccles is definitely in between those two things.

Yes, Ladywell is between the retail park that has the Range on it and the hospital. I would happily live around there (in fact we house hunted there and Patricroft!)