New research has revealed who the real “winners and losers” were during Greater Manchester’s unprecedented property boom in 2020.
Bryn, Radcliffe, Cadishead, Hulme and Moss Side have all emerged as some of the hottest areas in the region, according to data compiled by Manchester-based conveyancing specialist JMW Solicitors LLP.
By comparing Google Trends data from July 2019 to July 2020, JMW found that searches for homes for sale in Bryn – a sought-after area of Ashton-in-Makerfield in Wigan – had increased by 179%, from 140 to a whopping 390.
Radcliffe (132%), Cadishead (125%), Hulme (100%) and Moss Side (100%) all showed similar increases, as the property market surged following the first lockdown.
Bryn – a sought-after area of Ashton-in-Makerfield in Wigan – tops the list / Credit: JMW Solicitors LLP
“The unprecedented impact and disruption of the coronavirus pandemic on all aspects of life has resulted in many people choosing to re-evaluate their priorities.” said Andrew Garvie, Head of Real Estate Residential from JMW Solicitors LLP.
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“With more people spending more time indoors than ever before due to the lockdown, it’s little wonder that thousands of families have chosen to change their living arrangements.
“Greater Manchester was no exception to the property market boom that was noted across the UK after the first lockdown, with thousands of searches carried out among prospective homeowners looking to relocate.”
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“Thousands of families have chosen to change their living arrangements.” / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
While the vast majority of areas across Greater Manchester recorded an increase in demand amid the national property market boom, others have seen their popularity dwindle, with Google searches for properties in some areas remaining stagnant despite the lift.
Aspull, Rusholme, Northenden and Kearsley each gained the same number of searches in July 2019 as they did in July 2020, meaning they experienced 0% growth amid the busier period.
The good news is that nowhere in Greater Manchester, where data was available, experienced a reduction in popularity during this time.
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Andrew Garvie added: “While it is interesting to see that many more urban spots, including the usually popular Fallowfield, saw no growth following the first lockdown of 2020, we are seeing a rise in people moving to the outskirts of the city, possibly in search of a quieter life with more outdoor space.
“The pandemic certainly brought about a shift in the type of properties people were searching for, and we can only expect this quest for larger homes with gardens in quieter spots to continue well into the future.”
Nowhere in Greater Manchester experienced a reduction in popularity / Credit: JMW Solicitors LLP
Looking at the situation nationally, house prices across the UK hit record highs in 2020, despite the economic downturn as a result of widespread restrictions.
According to Halifax’s mortgage-tracking index, house prices increased by 7.6% in the year to November 2020, while Nationwide’s index pointed to a 6.5% rise and similarly, Rightmove estimated that asking prices had jumped up by 6.6% in the 12 months to December.
The Office for National Statistics’ transaction data also pinpointed a 5.4% increase to October.
Finally, Manchester’s historic Campfield Market is being brought back to life, set to turn into a creative tech campus.
The huge space – part of which was previously the Air and Space Hall at the Science and Industry Museum – will soon reopen as a ‘mega campus’ for the city’s creative and tech businesses.
The plans revealed by Allied London show a whopping 130,000 sq ft campus across three buildings, including the two landmark Victorian market halls.
Set to launch this June, Campfield will be home to flexible workspaces, cafes, media studios, a bar, and plenty more.
A highlight will be Campfield House, ‘the city’s newest destination for socialising and entertainment’, home to a cafe, event space, the Campfield House Bar, and weekend craft markets and food stalls, all set beneath the building’s iconic glass roof
At the heart of the mega campus will be Department at Campfield, with a range of cutting-edge facilities and flexible workspaces from private offices to creative studios to co-working areas.
There’ll also be mixed media studios, workshops, meeting rooms, all based on the success of existing Department workspaces established in 2020 across Manchester and Leeds.
Elsewhere, the creative tech-specialising Exchange will provide critical resources, coaching and community to businesses – it’s already supported more than 1000 individuals and 200 businesses.
The vision for Campfield in Manchester
Of the two listed former market halls, the smaller will become Campfield Studios, with production spaces and studios around a dramatic central atrium available for hire.
And completing the Campfield campus will be Castlefield House, where members will find a dynamic media workspace and hospitality hub, with a Bauhaus-inspired design and a spacious courtyard cafe.
Campfield will join other restored, repurposed and revolutionary landmarks in St John’s, like Aviva Studios, Bonded Warehouse and Manchester Goods Yard.
Michael Ingall, Chief Executive of Allied London, said: “Campfield will provide creative, tech and media businesses with the infrastructure and facilities they need to grow and develop. Importantly, it will once again be open for social gatherings and for the public to enjoy.
“The project will see these historically significant buildings given a new life and fully equipped to play an integral part in the next generation of artistic and creative output from the city’s new creative district.”
The vision for Campfield in Manchester
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Campfield is a much-loved historic site that has sat empty and underutilised for so long. We’ve been supporting this project from the start, bringing these important heritage buildings brought back into active use, supporting the city’s ongoing growth and boosting employment opportunities in some of the city’s key emerging sectors.
“Manchester’s reputation is growing globally as a leader in the creative, tech and media industries, and this new hub is another example of creating a supportive ecosystem where businesses can start-up, scale-up and thrive. It’s great to see this scheme come to life, bringing a renewed energy to Campfield.”
Tanya Grady, Commercial Director of Allied London, said: “The sustainable reimagination of the historic Campfield campus will become a catalyst for a new creative community. We recognise that a place for creative, tech and media companies needs a diverse set of amenities to enable innovators to produce their best work.
“Campfield will maximise the number of businesses and founders we can support in fulfilling their creative potential. Campfield possesses everything founders need to take their tech, media and creative businesses to the next level.”
Abigail Gunning, Operational Director of Department, said: “Department Campfield will offer thoughtfully designed, service-led workspaces that enable businesses to succeed.
“The new campus represents our commitment to providing amenity-rich environments where people feel fulfilled, and businesses can attract the best talent. We’re excited to continue growing our community and support businesses shaping the future of Manchester’s creative and tech landscape.”
Every month, we show you some of the hottest properties currently on the market in Greater Manchester.
It’s safe to say that Mancunians love a good nosey around other peoples’ houses, and after all, Greater Manchester is a brilliant place to live.
But what can your money currently get you in the area?
In our monthly Hot Property series, we scour the internet to find 10 more of the most diverse, jaw-dropping, accessible, and beautifully-presented homes currently on the market in Greater Manchester for you to take a look at.
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Ashwood Avenue
West Didsbury, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M20
Julian Wadden
Ashwood Avenue / Credit: Julian Wadden
Semi-Detached | x4 Bedrooms | x3 Bathrooms
Situated on a pretty residential street in the highly-sought-after Manchester suburb of West Didsbury, with a wide range of amenities, good local schooling options, and transport links into Manchester city centre and across the region, is this light and spacious four-bedroom Edwardian semi that’s been renovated by the current owners to an enviable standard.
As well as being kitted out for modern living, the property is also brimming with original features such as bay windows, high ceilings, and an original tiled fireplace in the living room.
Bi-fold doors lead out from the living kitchen-diner to the large lawned rear garden area, and the house also boasts off-road driveway parking to the front.
Ashwood Avenue / Credit: Julian Wadden
The property is currently on the market with the Disbury branch of independent estate agents, Julian Wadden, for a Guide Price of £790,000.
Occupying an end-terraced position in the heart of the much-loved Bury market town of Ramsbottom, which has an eclectic selection of shops, restaurants, pubs and bars just steps away, as well as good local schools and rolling hills on the doorstep, is this two-bedroom stone cottage which is ready for the new owners to move in and embrace.
Appearing attractive and traditional from the outside, once you step foot inside you’ll see that the property has been lovingly restored and modernised.
As well as the spacious and well-designed accommodations throughout the property, including the living room with characterful features and the two good-sized bedrooms upstairs, the property also has a low-maintenance enclosed rear courtyard to enjoy al fresco dining or a quiet moment outdoors.
Victoria Street / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
The property is currently on the market with the Bury branch of local estate agency chain Miller Metcalfe for £230,000.
Not only is this property in one of Rochdale’s most highly-sought-after areas among families, first time buyers, and downsizers alike, but it has also been expertly renovated and modernised to the highest of standards throughout.
This four-bedroom property in the heart of Norden – which is popular for the fact it’s both close to amenities, convenient transport links, and good local schools, as well as access to nature and the neighbouring countryside – has also been extended by the current owners, as well as transformed internally.
Externally, the property benefits from being situated on a generous plot.
Stepping outside is where you’ll find well-maintained garden areas to the front and rear, and two front driveways providing ample off-road parking space.
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Seven Acres Lane / Credit: Cowell Norford
The property is currently on the market with Rochdale-based independent estate agents, Cowell Norford, for £490,000.
Enviably positioned in the heart of Whitley, and sitting on what is comfortably one the best plots in the area, with stunningly-landscaped gardens to the front, side and rear, plus conveniently set back from the road, is this exceptional three-bedroom detached property, which estate agents say would be ‘perfect’ for a growing family in need of more space.
Enjoying a fantastic corner plot on a notably quiet cul-de-sac, the home was bought around 6 / 7 years ago and completely renovated throughout – with a quality of fixtures and fittings that simply must be viewed to be fully appreciated.
The all new windows throughout, fresh plasterwork, redecoration, new floorings, a sleek rear extension, plus the bespoke fitted kitchen, are just some of the clever improvements the current owners have added.
The property also has a large double garage, off-road driveway parking, and lawned gardens to both the front and rear, as well as paved patios to the side and rear.
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Romney Way / Credit: Regan & Hallworth
The property is currently on the market with the Wigan branch of property company Regan & Hallworth for £470,000 (Offers in the Region of).
A picture-perfect property both inside and out, nestled in the heart of the prestigious Hale – probably Greater Manchester’s most affluent, with its own village centre as well as being close to all the amenities, schooling options, and public transport links in Altrincham – is this enormously attractive five-bedroom period semi which has been extend, improved, and comprehensively updated by the current owners.
The property benefits from plenty of period character features, but these manage to blend perfectly with bright, contemporary open-plan spaces throughout – with the three reception rooms, and extensive living kitchen-diner wide folding doors out onto the gardens being some of the most stand-out features.
Standing on a large garden plot, with appealing black and white timbered elevations, you’ll find the property benefits from having a double garage, a substantial driveway for off-road parking, and lawned garden areas to both the front and rear.
Park Road / Credit: Watersons
The property is currently on the market with the Hale branch of independent estate agents, Watersons, for £1,525,000.
A property proudly setting itself apart from the neighbours thanks to its pretty curb appeal and smart driveway to park up on at the end of the day, is this three-bedroom detached family home in the heart of the popular Gee Cross area of Hyde – which not only has Werneth Low Country Park on its doorstep, but also a wide range of convenient amenities, schooling options to choose from, and transport links across the North West.
Just by stepping through the front door and into the impressive hallway of this property, estate agents says you’ll start to feel how special this home really is.
There is a bright and modern kitchen diner, as well as two spacious double bedrooms, potential for a fourth if needed, and even a separate utility area and play room internally, while externally you’ll find sunny lawned garden spaces, and off-road parking for multiple vehicles.
Spring Avenue / Credit: Gee Cross
The property is currently on the market with Hyde-based independent estate agents, Jardine Estates, for £535,000.
Worsley is one of Greater Manchester’s most affluent and sought-after residential areas… and with properties as stunning as this, it’s really not hard to see why.
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This is Spinney End – a distinguished three-bedroom detached farmhouse, dating right back to the 18th century, which estate agents describe as being is ‘as rare as it is remarkable’ given the fact that it has had only two transactions on record in the past 100 years.
Said to be one of the area’s most notable properties, and tucked away behind stately electric gates for privacy and security, the one-of-a-kind Spinney End is set within an exclusive enclave bordering Roe Green and Beesley Green in the most enchanting of landscapes, offering a secluded retreat surrounded by mature woodland.
The house is steeped in history, but despite this, has been thoughtfully restored and reimagined for modern living, making a true hidden gem ready for the new owners to move into.
Lumber Lane / Credit: eXp UK
The property is currently on the market with the North West branch of national estate agency, eXp UK, for £1,395,000.
Stepping through the front door of this attractive four-bedroom detached family home on Southern Crescent in Bramhall – which is arguably Stockport’s most sought-after residential area, especially for families – would perhaps have you thinking it’s a bungalow, but this home is built into a hill, meaning there’s a whole other floor underneath.
Having been lovingly-maintained by the current owners throughout, some of the property’s stand-out features have to be the large open-plan living-kitchen diner, and the four spacious and adaptable bedrooms nestled on the lower ground floor.
Externally, the property has gardens to the front and the rear, and benefits from being not overlooked at the rear and backing onto woodland.
Southern Crescent / Credit: Snapes
The property is currently on the market with Bramhall-based independent estate agents, Snapes, for £845,000.
Offered to the market with no onward chain, meaning it’s ready for the new owners to move straight into and immediately begin putting their own stamp on, is the striking Shorefield House – a charming eight-bedroom detached stone property nestled within its own private grounds in the affluent Bolton village of Egerton, which enjoys close access to countryside as well as all the amenities, excellent schools, and transport links needed.
Estate agents describe the property as being ‘brimming with character and untapped potential.’
This home offers the perfect opportunity for those looking to restore and modernise a truly spacious and traditional estate, combining period charm with the chance to make it your own.
Not only is the property flooded with natural light throughout its flexible living spaces, it also has its own expansive landscaped gardens, a double garage, and plenty of off-road parking for multiple vehicles and visitors.
Shorefield House / Credit: Newton & Co
The property is currently on the market with Bolton-based independent estate agents, Newton & Co, for £1.65 million.
By far one of the most characterful properties currently on the market in Greater Manchester.
This is Top O’Th Meadows – a Grade II-listed four-bedroom detached residence full of history, character and original features overlooking far-reaching views in the popular Oldham residential area of Waterhead, with plenty of amenities, good local schools, and transport links on the doorstep, with access to countryside only a short journey away.
Conveniently offered to the market with no onward chain, meaning it’s ready to move straight into, the property was originally two cottages dating back to the 1700 and 1800’s.
Despite its age though, it has been incredibly well-maintained by the current owners throughout, as well as the gardens and outside space, and for this, estate agents say it ‘simply must be viewed to be appreciated’.
Top O’Th Meadows / Credit: Ryder & Dutton
The property is currently on the market with the Oldham branch of local independent estate agents, Ryder & Dutton, for £800,000.
Emily Sergeant -
27th May 2021 
