From undiscovered scenic villages to city living, the North West has it all. Recently hailed as the best place to buy buy-to-let homes, we discuss where to purchase to get the best value for your money.
When it comes to buying a property the majority of us feel overwhelmed, we struggle to decide which area we want to live in, how many bedrooms we need and do we want a new build or older home. If you’re buying to let, then your priorities will often be centred around choosing a property that’s going to appeal to others, is it in the right area, is it too big, or too small - the list goes on!
If you’re based in the North West or are looking to relocate then this is the guide for you. We’ve whittled it down to the top 5 locations you don’t want to miss in the region.
Liverpool City Centre
Let’s start with the city with one of the highest rental returns in the country; on average Liverpool landlords make a huge 10% profit on their buy to let properties. The city itself is a great place to live for students and young professionals - it’s also a smart choice for a first-time buyer. City centre living is made up of stylish and modern new apartment buildings, if you’re after a studio, one or two bed flat you’ll be spoilt for choice in Liverpool. If you’re after a home with a view you can purchase an apartment by the waterfront on the Liverpool docks, close to Liverpool One and surrounded by restaurants - these properties don’t come cheap but they are certainly worth it. Or if you fancy being a bit nearer to the nightlife and are looking for somewhere a bit quirkier, try the Baltic Triangle. Voted ‘the coolest place to live in the UK’ a few years ago, the area is still up and coming, with new eateries and bars popping up all over. Be aware that living amongst the nightlife will be noisy, but having the Baltic Market, Constellations and The Botanical Garden on your doorstep for food, drink and live music certainly makes it worth it. The price of flats in the city centre area over the last year averaged at £98,288.
Wythenshawe
Previously given a bit of a bad name, Wythenshawe is located in South Manchester and has undergone a huge regeneration with millions invested into the area. The area and the house prices are perfect for first time buyers or those starting a family. There are great schools as well as transport links due to an extension of the metro. And there’s plenty of new jobs on the horizon with the expansion of Manchester airport. Wythenshawe is one of the few places left in South Manchester with affordable housing meaning we expect to see demand in this area increase. With a lively community and large green spaces, it’s the perfect place to raise a family. Wythenshawe is also popular with young professionals who don’t fancy city centre living. With the average house costing £149,543, investing in a buy to let here isn’t going to set you back a huge amount but promises to make easy letting due to increasing popularity. For a first-time buyer, you’re getting plenty for your money in Wythenshawe with terraced properties going for £129,876.
Bollington
Recently voted The Times’ best place to live in the North West, Bollington is an old mill town with plenty of heart and character to boot. Nestled between the upmarket Prestbury and Alderley Edge, Bollington is the cooler and quirkier neighbour you want to know all about. From traditional local pubs, outstanding schools and stunning peak district scenery, there isn’t much not to like in Bollington. Macclesfield can be reached in 10 minutes by car, with regular trains to Manchester Piccadilly taking just 20 minutes. A property in Bollington doesn’t come cheap but is certainly well desired, so you would have no trouble renting out a home in the area. A property in Bollington will set you back an average price of £274,611.
Southport
If a classy seaside town is what you’re after, Southport might just catch your eye. With 22 miles of sands, the Venetian bridge on the front and an abundance of arcades to keep the kids busy, Southport has all of the fun of a seaside town, without the usual rowdiness that follows suit. Liverpool can be reached in just 45 minutes and Manchester in an hour and 15, both cities are easily commutable by car or train. With plenty of outstanding local schools and the Merchant Taylors Independent schools just 30 mins away, you’re spoilt for choice for where to send your children. Any property with access to golf or the sand dunes will set you back a fair amount but the average home comes in at £208,967.
Waddington
If you’ve been to Waddington it’s easy to see why Ribble Valley was voted the happiest place to live in Britain. Rolling hills, stunning scenery, brilliant schools and a healthy high street make this stone village stand out from the rest. Waddington is a truly tranquil, unspoilt northern village that few are lucky enough to call home. It has all the essentials; traditional pubs, gardens and parks good schools and a close-knit community – perfect for those looking to settle into a forever home with the family or for someone living near by looking to invest their money into a second home. Living in Waddington doesn’t come cheap with the average property costing £350,000 - but it sure is worth it.
Whether you’re buying your first home or investing in a second property these are the areas you should be looking at in the North West. If you need to sell your house first to relocate or when the time comes to sell get in touch with our dedicated team at 321 Move who can advise you on the sale of your home and even make you a cash offer. Find out more https://www.321move.co.uk/about/