Research from social impact developer CAPITAL&CENTRIC has shown that less than 2 per cent of the Manchester residential market is prioritising sales to owner-occupiers.
Examining new build homes on the market in Manchester city centre for £250,000 and under (via Rightmove in May 2020) CAPITAL&CENTRIC uncovered that 76 per cent were aimed at investors.
47 per cent of homes for sale appeared to be marketed primarily at investors, focusing on promoting predicted yields on investment.
A further 29 per cent were targeted solely at investors, requiring hefty deposits and in many cases specifying “buy-to-let” or “investors” only.
Just four developments in the city centre were aimed at owner-occupiers only.
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Two of those were CAPITAL&CENTRIC’s CRUSADER and PHOENIX on Chapeltown Street in Piccadilly East.
CAPITAL&CENTRIC
CAPITAL&CENTRIC previously made headlines for creating an owner-occupier community and banning investors when it launched Crusader Mill in 2017.
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Their research arrives as the developer nears completion on the Phoenix development next door – which is also reserved for owner occupiers.
Adam Higgins, co-founder of CAPITAL&CENTRIC said: “For us, banning investors has always been about creating a proper owner occupier community, where you can set down roots and get to know your neighbours. That desire to be part of a community has never been stronger as we’ve all come together in the face of coronavirus.
“Since lockdown we’ve seen loads of interest from people, especially first-time buyers, who want to live alongside other owner occupiers.
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“This research shows that many other would be buyers are still missing out to investors who are often buying up flats they’ll never visit, seeing them as investments rather than homes and either being an absent landlord or leaving them pristine and empty until the time comes to sell.
“Locals living in these flats, have bugger all chance of getting to know their neighbours, if they have any at all!”
CAPITAL&CENTRIC
Phoenix residents will be the first to move into the emerging Piccadilly East neighbourhood – recently named by The Times as one of the next greatest places to live – when the development completes in August.
The one and two bed apartments, designed by shedkm, are on average 35% larger than other properties in Manchester – another feature that has attracted buyers during lockdown.
Over half will have spacious balconies, with residents being able to access roof gardens and a dog-friendly green courtyard with fire pits and barbecues.
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Adam continued: “Most of us have had a lot more time at home over the last few months and buyers just won’t put up with poky, identikit apartments anymore.
“They want bigger rooms and outdoor space in a place that feels like home.”
PHOENIX is available with Help to Buy with prices starting at £195,000.
To find out more or book a viewing at PHOENIX, head over to the official website.
Property
The local property developers helping Mancs buy a home without the large deposit
Emily Sergeant
A North West developer that specialises in creating Shared Ownership homes currently has eight new developments under construction across Manchester.
Getting your foot on theproperty ladder or taking the next step to owning a bigger home can be one of the most challenging things to do and is often not financially viable for a lot of people – and this is whereGecko Homes‘ unique Shared Ownership scheme comes in.
The developer is enabling first time buyers and other qualifying homebuyers to purchase shares in its homes instead.
With deposits from as little as £2,438, the scheme means residents can buy shares ranging from 10% all the way up to 75% instead and then pay rent on the rest, with the option to increase the share percentage at later dates, all the way up to outright ownership.
Gecko Homes is helping Mancs get on the property ladder / Credit: Supplied
As mentioned, the company is currently working on eight new developments across Manchester in some of the city’s most sought-after suburbs, and prospective buyers can now register their interest.
One of the most popular developments currently underway is ‘Tatton Place’ in Sale – which is a redevelopment of a historic Masonic Hall and police station into 31 homes, including two and three-bedroom houses, one and two-bedroom apartments, and several stunning duplexes, all with access to both private and communal gardens.
Another key development is ‘Emerald Way’ over in the popular Manchester suburban town of Chorlton, where prices start from £60,625 for a 25% share, meaning a buyer would only need a deposit of £3,031.
Over in West Didsbury is one of largest ongoing developments called ‘Two Didsbury Point’, which is a £20 million scheme of 76 affordable homes across two connected eight and five-storey blocks – 46 of those being for shared ownership – on the site of the former Withington Hospital, with an outdoor communal terrace and green spaces for residents to enjoy.
Another one of the developments currently in the works that prospective buyers can now register their interest for is ‘Boundary View’, which lies in the thriving Manchester community of Old Trafford.
“Our Shared Ownership model has transformed people’s lives by giving them a way onto the property ladder in a modern, stylish, and high-quality home that they can afford to live in,” explained Christina Tattersall, who is the Head of Sales at Gecko Homes.
Eight developments are currently underway across Manchester / Credit: Supplied
“All of our latest developments are already generating high levels of interest from local people who want to live in some of Manchester’s most popular and vibrant suburbs that all benefit from great amenities and regular transport links.
“Each development will be finished to a very high specification, with contemporary kitchens and bathrooms, as well as luxury floorings and quality fixtures and fittings throughout.”
Residents interested in any of these developments are asked to visit Gecko Homes’ website here to find out more and register their details now.
Prices shown are based on 25% Shared Ownership and a 95% LTV mortgage. All properties are bought as leasehold, with full terms applying, and prices shown may be subject to change and are a guide only.
Featured Image – Supplied
Property
10 hot properties for sale in Greater Manchester | May 2025
Emily Sergeant
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.
Conveniently offered to the market with no onward chain, meaning it’s ready for the new owners to move straight into, is this two-bedroom luxury apartment located on the ninth floor of Great Northern Tower – which is has long been one of the most desired places to live in Manchester city centre, with a wealth of amenities right on the doorstep.
The property benefits from bright open-plan living spaces offering lots of flexibility, as well as two double bedrooms, and the star of the show, of course, being the large outdoor terrace with unrivalled views of the city’s skyline.
Allocated parking also comes with the property too.
Great Northern Tower / Credit: Savills
The property is currently on the market with the Manchester branch of national estate agency chain, Savills, for £499,950.
This beautifully restored Edwardian semi sits on an attractive residential street in the heart of Worsley, which is by far one of Greater Manchester’s most prestigious and desirable neighbourhoods, known and loved for its access to a wide range of amenities, excellent local schools, and transport links into both Salford and Manchester city centres.
Set over four floors and originally built in 1904, but having been elegantly-updated throughout by the current owners, the property now successfully blends rich period charm with sophisticated modern finishes, offering the perfect balance of character and contemporary comfort.
Estate agents say the home has been thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of modern family living, while still showcasing a wealth of original features like high ceilings, bay windows, and decorative cornicing.
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Externally, the property boasts off-road driveway parking and well-maintained gardens.
Hazelhurst Road / Credit: Hunters
The property is currently on the market with the Worsley-based branch of estate agency chain, Hunters, for £1.25 million.
Old Hall Lane, Mottram In Longdendale, Tameside, Greater Manchester, SK14
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Jardine Estates
Ivydene / Credit: Jardine Estates
Semi-Detached | x5 Bedrooms | x3 Bathrooms
How stunning is this property?
Like something out of a picture-perfect postcard, this five-bedroom semi tucked away on a country lane in the highly-sought-after rural Tameside village of Mottram in Longendale – which enjoys easy access to amenities, good local schooling options, and convenient transport links, while also being on the doorstep to the countryside – is offered to the market in completely immaculate condition.
Built in the 1700s, estate agents say this charming Georgian country home is brimming with timeless character and elegance.
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Some of the property’s stand-out features, of which there are too many to name, have to be the gorgeous open-plan kitchen-diner, the five regal double bedrooms, and the large basement with a wine cellar.
Ivydene / Credit: Jardine Estates
The property is currently on the market with Hyde-based independent estate agents, Jardine Estates, for £875,000.
South Road, Bowdon, Altrincham, Greater Manchester, WA14
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Watersons
Lauriston / Credit: Watersons
Terraced | x5 Bedrooms | x3 Bathrooms
This immensely attractive double-fronted Georgian property in the affluent Bowdon enjoys a prominent position on the corner of South Road and Stamford Road, and is located within easy walking distance of both Hale and Altrincham, making it ideally-placed for convenient access to the towns’ wide range of amenities, excellent schooling options, and transport links.
Estate agents say the property offers ‘extensive’ family accommodation arranged over four floors, and has been comprehensively updated by the current owners and improved entirely in-keeping with the original character
Multi-paned windows, high intricate corniced ceilings, a spindle balustrade staircase turning through the floors, and several original fireplaces are just some of the features the property boasts internally.
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Stepping outside, you’ll find beautifully-landscaped gardens to the front and rear.
Lauriston / Credit: Watersons
The property is currently on the market with the Hale branch of independent estate agents, Watersons, for £1,625,000.
This has to be one of the finest homes currently on the market – not just in The Heatons, but in the whole of Greater Manchester.
Sedgley Lodge is an impressive eight-bedroom detached family property on one of Heaton Moor’s most prestigious roads, spanning an expansive 4,569 sq ft and offering an abundance of space, character, and potential for any prospective buyers lucky enough to move in to the home estate agents say is a ‘truly rare offering’ to the market.
Behind the doors of this regal residence, you’ll find a wealth of versatile living space perfect for modern family life and entertaining, with timeless architecture and generous proportions throughout.
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Externally, this stunning home boasts some of the most striking kerb appeal and is set within mature landscaped gardens to the front and rear.
Sedgley Lodge / Credit: Julian Wadden
The property is currently on the market with the Heaton Moor branch of independent estate agents, Julian Wadden, for a Guide Price of £1,425,000.
A hidden gem in the heart of one of Bolton’s most sought-after residential areas, tucked behind the historic charm of Smithills Hall and set among by the leafy tranquillity of a private gated cul-de-sac, this four-bedroom end mews home on Aspen Close is described by estate agents as being the very definition of a ‘modern-day sanctuary’.
Ready for a growing families to move straight into, the property has been finished to a high standard, boasting light and spacious accommodations, including a large kitchen-diner and a modern lounge with a media wall.
Externally, the property has driveway parking for one vehicle out at the front, and has its own private garden to the rear, as well as being on the doorstep of a woodland backdrop.
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Aspen Close / Credit: Newton & Co
The property is currently on the market with Bolton-based independent estate agents, Newton & Co, for £400,000.
This stunning stone terraced cottage situated in the ever-popular Bury village of Hawkshaw, only a stone’s throw away from the wide range of amenities, good local schooling options, countryside access, and transport links on offer in Ramsbottom and Bolton, is offered to the market in immaculate condition and is ideal for first time buyers and growing families alike.
The current owners have renovated the property and equipped it with everything needed for modern-day living, while still managing to retain the character and charm of a cosy cottage.
Internally, you’ll find spacious and flexible living spaces set over three floors, while externally, the property benefits from having panoramic countryside views and an easy-to-maintain enclosed lawned garden to the rear.
Bolton Road / Credit: Wainwrights
The property is currently on the market with Bury-based independent estate agents, Wainwrights, for £315,000.
Sat on a popular residential street in the sought-after Swinley area of Wigan – which is close to a wide range of amenities, good local schools, and convenient transport links across Greater Manchester and beyond – is this four-bedroom semi that has been extended and renovated by the current owners to a high standard, and is now ready to move straight into.
Internally, this immaculately-presented family home provides spacious and versatile accommodation set over two floors, with and the master bedroom even having an ensuite.
Stepping outside, the property has an integral garage and a large block-paved driveway at the front with off-road parking for several vehicles, while at the rear, you’ll find a well-maintained garden with a lawn and patio area.
Danseway / Credit: Regan & Hallworth
The property is currently on the market with the Wigan branch of independent estate agents, Regan & Hallworth, for £425,000 (Offers in the Region of).
Oulder Hill Drive / Credit: Adamsons Barton Kendal
Detached | x5 Bedrooms | x4 Bathrooms
Offered to the market on a popular residential estate in one of Rochdale’s most affluent areas, this stunning five-bedroom detached home in Bamford – which is only a short distance from a wide range of amenities, good local schooling options, and convenient transport links across Greater Manchester and beyond – has been finished to an exceptionally high standard by the current owners.
Immaculately presented throughout, the property boasts light and spacious accommodations around every corner with everything needed for modern-day family living.
Externally, the property has off-road driveway parking for several vehicles, a double integral garage, and well-maintained landscaped gardens to the front and rear.
Oulder Hill Drive / Credit: Adamsons Barton Kendal
The property is currently on the market with local independent estate agents, Adamsons Barton Kendal, for £780,000.
The Sycamores is described by estate agents as being a true local gem.
Set behind ornate gates at the top of a grand driveway sits this substantial detached six-bedroom residence occupying a commanding position in one of Saddleworth’s most-popular and most sought-after areas, Greenfield – which residents love for its semi-rural location, while still being a stone’s throw from all the amenities needed.
Behind the doors of this imposing Victorian mansion you’ll find large spacious reception rooms, a bespoke kitchen with an Aga, and a master featuring a stunning en-suite/dressing room, among other features.
Externally, there are expansive gardens to the front and rear of the stunning property.
The Sycamores / Credit: Ryder & Dutton
The property is currently on the market with the Uppermill branch of local estate agents, Ryder & Dutton, for £2.5 million.
The Manc -
14th July 2020 
