Now is the perfect time to buy your first property in Manchester – here’s why

With property and rent prices on the rise, it might feel as though first time buyers are the hardest hit in the current property marketplace. 

And indeed, recent research from Barclay’s reveals that over half (55%) of aspiring first time buyers have admitted that they don’t fully understand the home buying process or how to purchase their first property. 

Luckily, a new independent, advice-focussed property show at Manchester United Football Club this weekend aims to help all those first time buyers seeking professional advice on the homebuying process, with a range of property, mortgage and legal experts to help demonstrate more affordable ways for potential buyers to buy their first home. 

And where better to buy than in Greater Manchester?

With a wealth of entertainment, from shopping at the Trafford Centre to catching live music at the Manchester Arena and watching football at Old Trafford, it’s no surprise that Manchester is one of the UK’s top locations to live in.

It might feel challenging for first time buyers to identify which areas they want to live in, though – especially in cities like Manchester, where nearby areas can have such differing prices.

But the city-region is full of hidden gems and up-and-coming areas perfect for those looking to get on the property ladder.

Old Trafford – appropriately enough also the location of the National Home Buying Week: Live in Manchester property event this weekend – is considered to be one area with the most growth potential in Manchester.

One of the most affordable parts of the city, it’s also within cycling distance to the city centre, with several new developments taking place.

If you’re looking for good value, you’re likely to find more of it in north Manchester and Salford than in south Manchester.

Swinton, on the Salford side of the Irwell, is Prestwich’s more affordable neighbour, and has good transport links to Manchester – it takes less than 15 minutes to get to town on the V1 bus, regardless of traffic.

Or, with towns and villages including Bredbury and Romiley, Cheadle and Gatley, Hazel Grove and Bramhall, and Marple, Stockport is another hotspot to consider.

Closer to the city centre is Castlefield, a conservation area which was the original site of the Roman Fort Mamucium where Manchester began.

Now, it’s a thriving residential area with some promising new developments and charming cobbled streets that run alongside the canals – plus, it’s only a 15-minute walk from buzzing Spinningfields.

But wherever you’re looking to buy your first home, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got all the best advice and tips to help you on your journey.

The free exhibition National Home Buying Week: Live in Manchester will help highlight the best homes available across Manchester and the North West – including Government schemes such as shared ownership or Help to Buy.

“First time buyers could be forgiven for not fully understanding the homebuying process,” says Lynda Clark, director of National Home Buying Week. 

“There is so much advice out there but much of it can be confusing and potentially overwhelming. 

“Our National Home Buying Week: Live in Manchester event is designed to bring all the information together in one place and offer helpful guidance on the steps involved with homebuying. 

“We will have seminars, podcasts and a really helpful panel of experts who will be there on the day to offer free and helpful advice – to help people at whatever stage of the homebuying journey they are at.”

National Home Buying Week: Live in Manchester will take place at Manchester United Football Club on Sir Matt Busby Way on Saturday 14th May from 10am to 4pm.