Leading UK property website Rightmove has released new data showing that the interest in searches for overseas property has surged during lockdown.
If you’ve found yourself seriously toying with the prospect of buying a holiday home, contemplating a relocation, or dreaming of a trip abroad after your trip was cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it turns out that you’re very much not alone.
Research by Rightmove data analysts shows that searches for overseas property in May reached their highest point for the year and were up 33% compared to this time last year.
This followed the trend from April where overseas searches increased by 50% from March.
After an initial dip when lockdown first commenced, the countries seeing the biggest uplift in searches are Spain, France and Portugal.
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Searches for property in Spain were up 34% and in particular, the biggest surge was seen in searches for property on the island of Ibiza which was up a whopping 174% compared to last May.
It’s thought that this is thanks to the new Netflix series White Lines.
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NetflixNetflix
White Lines is a 10-part Spanish/British thriller series which aired on Netflix last month.
The show follows a young woman visiting Ibiza to learn the truth about what happened to her brother – a Manchester DJ who disappeared on the Balearic Islands 20 years prior – and it received positive reviews from both critics and fans alike.
Kieran Byrne, owner of international estate agency, HomeEspaña in Spain, said: “After a significant dip in activity and enquiries in March and early April, when lockdown measures were first introduced in Spain and the UK, we’ve witnessed a gradual resurgence of interest towards the end of April, and this gathered pace throughout May.”
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“Of course, we’ve spoken to clients who are putting their plans on hold, waiting to see what life will be like post-coronavirus, which is totally understandable, but we’ve also spoken to new customers who had never previously thought about buying a property in Spain.”
“Being confined has made them reconsider their lives in cities and towns, as has the thought of returning to being crammed onto buses and trains, and they’ve concluded it would be preferable to be somewhere with more of an outdoor lifestyle, better weather, access to swimming pools and beaches.”
“Of course, we still don’t know how any of this translates into genuine interest or transactions”.
“We’re still not fully out of lockdown here in Spain – international flights haven’t resumed and we’re still in a period of uncertainty – but it does seem like there is a lot of new interest in people relocating or having a second home here”.
For more information on overseas property, visit the Rightmove website here.
Property
10 hot properties for sale in Greater Manchester | March 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.
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Hornbeam Close
Smithills, Bolton, Greater Manchester, BL1
PLM
Hornbeam Close / Credit: PLM
Detached | x5 Bedrooms | x3 Bathrooms
Occupying an enviable plot on one of Bolton’s most unique and historic housing development’s in the popular area of Smithills, with a wide range of amenities, local schooling options, convenient transport links, and access to sprawling countryside on the doorstep, is this immaculately-presented five bedroom detached family home.
Offered to the market in spotless condition, and ready for growing families of all sizes to move straight into, some of the stand-out features of this property have to be the large open-plan kitchen diner with bespoke modern kitchen units and living space on the side, and the five light and spacious bedrooms.
Externally, the property continues to impress.
There is a large driveway and double garage to the front, providing off-road parking for several vehicles, and to the rear you’ll find both paved and lawned garden areas.
Hornbeam Close / Credit: PLM
The property is currently on the market with Bolton-based independent estate agents PLM for £699,999 (Offers in Excess of).
This truly is a stunning property, from top to bottom.
Appearing to be rather unassuming from the outside, once you step foot inside this stone-build four bedroom end terraced property in the heart of the ever sought-after Saddleworth village of Uppermill – which is known and loved for providing the best of semi-rural living with the convenience of amenities nearby – you’ll find an immaculate family home that’s ready to move in to.
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No expense has been spared by the current owners when completing the renovations of this property, with each room meticulously-designed to maximise everything you need from modern-day living, while still retaining character and charm.
Externally, you’ll find designated off-road parking space for one vehicle to the rear, as well as a small decked area and access to a communal garden.
High Street / Credit: West Riding
The property is currently on the market with Uppermill-based independent estate agents, West Riding, for £360,000.
Conveniently found on the ground floor of Murrays Mills, one of Ancoats’ most well-known and sought-after mill conversions, is this stunning three-bedroom duplex apartment that has been renovated to a high standard throughout by the current owners, yet still retains plenty of original features like exposed brickwork, beams, sash windows, and grand staircases.
The property boats open-plan living throughout, offering flexible spaces for prospective buyers to make their own, as well as three good-sized bedrooms – including one with an en-suite.
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As well as being conveniently-located in one of Manchester city centre’s most desired residential neighbourhoods, with everything you could want from city living just steps from your front door, the property also benefits from a 24/7 concierge service and secure allocated parking.
Murrays Mills / Credit: Julie Twist Properties
The property is currently on the market with Manchester city centre-based estate agents, Julie Twist Properties, for £500,000 (Offers Over).
Nestled on the edge of the picturesque Light Oaks Park, estate agents say this charming Edwardian four-bedroom semi-detached family home in Salford presents an ‘exceptional opportunity’ for those seeking a ‘spacious and characterful’ property to call their own, being particularly ideally-suited for a growing family in search of their dream home.
Spread over three floors, the home has been tastefully decorated by the current owners, harmoniously-blending traditional character features with contemporary living.
The house boasts a generous lower ground floor basement level, offering exciting potential for conversion, as well as an integral garage underneath and off-road driveway parking to the front, and a large lawned garden space to the rear.
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Light Oaks Road / Credit: Keenans
The property is currently on the market with the Swinton branch of local estate agency chain, Keenans, for £575,000 (Offers Over).
One of the most unique properties in the whole of Rochdale is ACTUALLY on the market.
Dating all the way back to 1760, this is Cleggswood Heys Farm – what estate agents are, quite rightly, calling a ‘truly exceptional’ five-bedroom detached residence nestled in an idyllic and private position off Milbury Drive, merely moments away from Hollingworth Lake, as well as a wide range of amenities, good local schooling options, and transport links across Greater Manchester.
This exquisite home seamlessly blends historic charm with contemporary elegance, offering an impressive more than 3,000 sq ft of meticulously-curated living space.
If having Hollingworth Lake on your doorstep wasn’t impressive enough as it is, the property also boasts its own expansive manicured gardens.
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Cleggswood Heys Farm / Credit: Cowell & Norford
The property is currently on the market with Rochdale-based independent estate agents, Cowell & Norford, for £1 million (Offers Over).
Enviably positioned quiet and popular cul-de-sac in Wigan, close to various shops and amenities, plus numerous countryside walks, local schools, and transport links across Greater Manchester, is this five-bedroom detached family home with eye-catching kerb appeal from the outside and significantly extended living space on the inside.
Internally, the home has undergone considerable change from its original design, particularly with the addition of the two-storey extension to the rear – with the result being a light, contemporary, and very spacious residence ideal for any buyers seeking a home they can simply move straight into.
To the front of the property you’ll find a small garden and off-road driveway parking, while to the rear is where you’ll find a good-sized lawned garden that’s easy to maintain.
Bakewell Drive / Credit: Regan & Hallworth
The property is currently on the market with the Wigan-based estate agents, Regan & Hallworth, for £325,000.
This stunning three-bedroom detached family home in the idyllic Tameside village of Gee Cross is a true asset to the current owners.
Built on a popular cul-de-sac in 2017 to a completely individual design, this property – which is a stone’s throw from the village centre, good local schools, and transport links, as well as surrounding countryside including Werneth Low too – has accommodations set over three floors and has a range of quality fixtures and fittings throughout.
Not only that, but there’s also contemporary-styled external landscaping that offers low maintenance living too, as well as off-road driveway parking for several vehicles.
Gerrards Wood / Credit: Bridgfords
The property is currently on the market with the Denton-based branch of estate agency chain, Bridgfords, for £450,000 (Offers Over).
Edenfield is one of Bury’s most sought-after residential areas, thanks to its semi-rural location with countryside on the doorstep, yet still being part of and conveniently close everything on offer in the attractive market town of Ramsbottom, so prospective buyers are often eager to live here in a home of their own.
This immaculately-presented four bedroom semi is no exception.
Having been lovingly-restored and modernised to a high standard by the current owners, the property now boasts light and spacious living spaces – none more evident than the large open-plan living kitchen diner with bi-fold doors out to the large rear garden which backs onto sprawling countryside.
Gincroft Lane / Credit: Keenans
The property is currently on the market with the Rawtenstall branch of estate agents, Keenans, for £400,000 (Offers Over).
Groby Bank is an imposing property that stands proudly on an enviable plot in the affluent Trafford town of Altrincham, which is loved by first time buyers, growing families, and those looking for quieter suburban life alike, thanks to its ever-growing range of amenities, excellent local schools, green spaces, and convenient transport links across Greater Manchester and Cheshire.
With accommodations arranged over four floors branching off the most beautiful central staircase, the property oozes charm and character from top to bottom, with an abundance of original features among all the modernised living spaces.
Externally, the property benefits from plenty of off-road driveway parking to the side, and a large paved area with wooden canopy, and a well-maintained lawned garden to the rear.
Groby Bank / Credit: Hibbert Homes
The property is currently on the market with Hale-based independent estate agents, Hibbert Homes, for £2,195,000.
We think you’ll all agree with us when we say this is by far one of the most stunning properties currently for sale in Greater Manchester.
And can you believe it’s only in Stockport? Well, Marple shall we say, which is very much one of Stockport’s most sought-after and affluent residential areas, combining the best of semi-rural living with easy access to all the amenities in the town centre and Manchester not far off, so it’s ideally placed for peace and quiet while still within reach of modern life.
Steeped in history, Strawberry Hill dates back to the 18th century and is a fine example of Georgian architecture.
Despite this being a historic home and a well-known local landmark, once you step through the front door, you’ll see that the property has been modernised to a very high standard by the current owners, and boasts bags of flexible living space, as well as a attached barn providing plenty of potential.
Strawberry Hill / Credit: TAUK
The property is currently on the market with national estate agents, TAUK, for a Guide Price of £1.5 million.
Featured Image – Hibbert Homes | West Riding | TAUK
Property
Manchester United reveal first images of ambitious plans for brand-new stadium
Danny Jones
After much talk of whether Old Trafford would be redeveloped or an entirely new stadium would take its place, Manchester United have confirmed their plans to build a brand-new home ground and revealed the first new images.
Put simply, it looks incredible.
Not only will a 100,000 capacity see it overtake Wembley (90k) as the biggest arena in the UK but co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS Sports group now spearheading the rebuild of the club aim for it to become “the world’s greatest football stadium”.
Unveiling the first official images along with a CGI concept video as somewhat of a teaser trailer for the new stadium, the ‘centrepiece of the Old Trafford Regeneration’ project, Stretford and beyond are set to look very different.
The first thing to note is the striking shape of the new stadium complex; while many fans were worried designs would resemble another shiny metallic bowl shape like many other new stadiums across Europe and the globe, chief architects Foster + Partners have gone for a much different visage.
Lord Norman Foster, the company’s executive chairman, said as part of the full announcement: “This has to be one of the most exciting projects in the world today. It all starts with the fans’ experience, bringing them closer than ever to the pitch and acoustically cultivating a huge roar.
“The stadium is contained by a vast umbrella, harvesting energy and rainwater, and sheltering a new public plaza that is twice the size of Trafalgar Square.”
Revolving around three tall spires – a trinity, if you will – the new Man United home campus will be covered by the large netting-esque feature which wraps around the main stadium structure itself.
Credit: Foster + Partners“Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport”, says Ratcliffe.
Set to cost in the region of £2 billion, it is believed the huge undertaking could be completed within the space of five years.
With support from the government as part of the official Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, which Mayor Andy Burnham, the likes of Gary Neville, Lord Sebastian Coe and other notable figures serve on, the wider goal is for the redevelopment to transform the area and expand further into South Manchester.
The club claims ‘New Trafford’ (not an official name) will create 92,000 new jobs, involve the construction of 17,000 homes and bring an additional 1.8 million visitors to the area annually.
As per further particulars shared online, it is said that the ground would be visible from the Peak District and even the outskirts of Liverpool “in optimum conditions”; the tallest mast will be larger than Beetham Tower and 15.5% of the seats will be reserved for hospitality.
You can see more images of what they hope the stadium and atmosphere to look like during a night match down below:
“We are proud to be supporting that mission with this project of national, as well as local, significance”. (Credit: Foster + Partners)
Although millions of fans will be torn over the decision to leave the existing ‘Theatre of Dreams’, it has been widely reported that the cost of renovating Old Trafford as fans know it today could prove almost as costly as building the new sporting arena entirely.
Commenting on the plans, the club’s legendary manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has backed the move. He said as part of the official statement: “Manchester United should always strive for the best in everything it does, on and off the pitch, and that includes the stadium we play in.
“Old Trafford holds so many special memories for me personally, but we must be brave and seize this opportunity to build a new home, fit for the future, where new history can be made.”
It’s also still unclear as to what will happen to Old Trafford, although the belief is that it will remain intact next to the new stadium nearby and be used for Man United Women’s fixtures as well as youth games.
You can hear Lord Foster talking through the plans and see the design in more detail down below:
Also remarking on the plans, Mayor Burnham, added. “Our common goal on the Task Force has been to try to unlock the full power of the club for the benefit of its supporters and for Greater Manchester as a whole – creating thousands of new homes and jobs.
“If we get this right, the regeneration impact could be bigger and better than London 2012 [something he’d already said this time last year]. Manchester United could, and indeed should, have the best football stadium in the world.”
“To me, that means a stadium that is true to the traditions of the club, affordable to all, with nobody priced out, and a stadium that sets new standards in the game globally. I believe this vision can be realised, and if so, the benefits for Greater Manchester, the North West and the country will be huge.”
How do you feel about the plans, Reds?
Featured Images — Manchester United (via club website)
Emily Sergeant -
10th June 2020 
