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The Manc -
3rd February 2020
The Manc -
3rd February 2020 Property
UK’s most popular commuter towns named and four are in Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
The UK’s most popular commuter towns have been named, and four of them are here in Greater Manchester.
Where are the most popular commuter towns in the UK right now?
Well, new data collated based on the number of people enquiring about available properties on Rightmove has revealed the locations where buyer demand is highest, and with Manchester being one of the largest cities in the country, of course there’s some Greater Manchester towns on the list.
Rightmove says that choosing the best commuter town requires buyers to balance a number of factors – including property prices, travel times, and local lifestyle.
To narrow it down, the property platform has chosen to focus on commuter towns within a 45-minute rail journey to the target city, and with at least 20,000 people living there.
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For Manchester, it’s Stockport that’s taken the title as the city’s most popular commuter town, as amazinly, it generated 70% more enquiries per listing than Manchester itself.
Being just an eight-minute journey from Manchester Piccadilly, Stockport has an average property price of £308,299.
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Elsewhere in Greater Manchester, the picturesque Stockport town of Marple takes second spot on the list, while the Tameside town of Stalybridge comes in third place, and Rochdale also features in the top five, alongside Warrington – which is just outside of our region’s borders, but is only a short 22-minute train journey into the city centre.
Transport options is obviously one of the most important factors in what makes a town a so-called ‘commuter town’.
Stockport benefits from around six fast trains per hour, while Stalybridge and Rochdale offer four per hour. Marple is less frequent at two per hour but still attracts strong interest, likely due to its lifestyle appeal and stunning setting on the edge of the Peak District.
Read more:
- Manchester has been named one of the UK’s top property hotspots for 2026
- Local suburb named one of the UK’s ‘happiest’ places to live
- Two Greater Manchester towns named among UK’s best places to buy your first home
Price growth has been strong across most of the Manchester commuter towns, with Stalybridge (+6.1%) and Rochdale (+5.8%) seeing notable increases year-on-year.
However, average prices for four out of the five commuter locations on the list were higher than the average Manchester property price (£261,891), suggesting that lifestyle factors were a stronger draw for Manchester’s surrounding towns.
Featured Image – Benjamin Elliott (via Unsplash)
Property
The £1.6m Bolton mansion with the most incredible garden is BACK on the market
Daisy Jackson
A mansion that’s up for sale in Bolton is hiding one of the country’s most impressive back gardens.
The home in Lostock, listed at £1,675,000, is up there with the most expensive currently on the market in the borough.
And it’s easy to see why.
Its villa-like structure has five huge bedrooms and three bathrooms, not to mention four reception rooms, a snooker room and bar, an orangery, and a double garage.
But the sprawling property’s most impressive feature lies outside, in its manicured gardens.
The Bolton mansion comes with its own stream – essentially a moat – as well as a waterfall, rockeries, and a fishpond so massive you could almost claim to have your own private lake.
PLM, the estate agency marketing the home, say: “Rarely does a property of this calibre become available on the open market. 32 Willowbank is a magnificent detached family home, crafted to exacting standards with no expense spared and an uncompromising attention to detail throughout. A truly breathtaking residence, it offers luxurious living in one of Lostock’s most sought-after addresses.”
There are neat lawns, fancy topiary, and even a charming stone footbridge and a wooden one crossing the water.
Its interiors are pretty lavish too, dripping in marble, polished wood, and chandeliers.
A massive sweeping staircase greets people on arrival in an entrance hall that leads on to the many, many rooms.
While the building was constructed in 2000, it’s since been renovated throughout.
The listing continues: “Upon entering, guests are welcomed by a spectacular reception hallway, showcasing a bespoke Helical glazed walnut staircase and two striking crystal chandeliers.
“There’s attention to detail continues throughout – from the Siematic kitchen fitted with premium Miele appliances and a Quooker sparkling hot tap, to the elegant reception rooms finished with mood lighting, porcelain and limestone flooring, and designer touches at every turn.”
Of the location, PLM say: “Tucked away behind remote-controlled electric gates off Lostock Junction Lane, this exceptional home enjoys a commanding presence.
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“The newly installed granite driveway, framed by professional lighting, leads through beautifully landscaped gardens featuring a tranquil brook and cascading waterfalls – a fitting introduction to the grandeur that lies within.”
To see more, you can view the home on Rightmove here.
Featured Image – PLM
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