Property

Who were the winners and losers of Greater Manchester’s property market boom in 2020?

Manchester-based conveyancing specialist JMW Solicitors LLP has compared Google Trends data from July 2019 to July 2020.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 27th May 2021

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.

ADVERTISEMENT

“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.”

ADVERTISEMENT
“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. 

ADVERTISEMENT

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. 

You can find more information on the research via JMW Solicitors LLP’s website.

Property

A completely free canal-side festival is coming back to Salford again

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia A completely free canal-side festival is coming back to Salford again

After a successful run last year, the Salford-based Middlewood Locks Fest is returning for a second time with the promise of an even bigger and better programme of entertainment, food and fun. 

Taking place on Saturday 10 May from 2pm-10pm, the free festival returns to Middlewood Locks..

Whether you’re local or just looking for a great day out, the festival will have something for everyone. There’ll be plenty of activities and pop-up stalls for you to get involved with, including a daytime market as well as children’s interactive workshops.

Get Living is proud to support the festival for the second year, which celebrates local creativity, community spirit and culture. The event is set to take place on the doorstep of New Maker Yards, Get Living’s canal-side neighbourhood.

With a range of one-three bedroom homes available for rent, New Maker Yards blends spacious, stylish apartments with green open spaces, complete with an on-site cafe and a strong community feel – all at the heart of the vibrant Middlewood Locks neighbourhood, where  the festival action is taking place.

For Middlewood Locks Fest, a Makers Market will be taking place throughout the day with items on offer from local makers, artisans, performers and creators, including plants, jewellery, artwork, clothes and produce.

The Canal & River Trust is organising explorer’s activities for kids and families alike, while St Philip’s CE Primary School has worked with artists to create bespoke decorations for the event too.

A completely free canal-side festival is coming back to Salford again
A completely free canal-side festival is coming back to Salford again. Credit: Karen Wright

If that wasn’t enough for you, how about a special appearance from a canal-side regular as a giant Canadian goose puppet will also be making an appearance to meet festival-goers.

Everything really is catered for here. On top of the makers market and masterclasses, there will also be live music courtesy of a brass band – that sounds like music to my ears.

There’s even the opportunity to go on the water yourself as a handful of rafted canoes will be in use for activities throughout the day.

And of course food is in safe hands too. Street food vendors including Taka Taka Mam will be bringing all the flavours of the Mediterranean and stuffing them into their famous hearty gyros, while city favourites Ginger’s Ice Cream Emporium is popping up from Afflecks to soak up the sun and provide dreamy desserts direct from the canal-side pop-up.

Middlewood Locks Fest in Salford
Middlewood Locks Fest in Salford
Middlewood Locks Fest, a canal-side festival in Salford. Credit: Karen Wright Photography

And when the sun’s out it would be rude not to treat yourself to a tipple, so good thing that the Adams & Rose Bar is making an appearance to fill up your glass with the finest gin and rum selection.

As the night comes to an end, you can dance the night away to some epic tunes thanks to a live DJ while being surrounded by a mesmerising fire and sound installation to close this spectacular celebration.

Kim Quickfall, Regional Director at Get Living, said: “Last year’s Middlewood Locks Fest was
a huge success and we’re excited to be supporting the event again in 2025.

“Bringing people from across Salford and the wider area together, the day will celebrate the best of local culture, enterprise and creativity with activities and events for all.”

Middlewood Locks Fest is returning to Salford on Sunday 10 May from 2pm to 10pm and more information can be found HERE.

For those that can’t make the festival fun, there are plenty of other things to see and do in the area. From the delicious treats at 97 Degrees Coffee to the landmark Aviva Studios cultural hub,  there is plenty to discover in this buzzing neighbourhood.

Explore the 1-3 bedroom homes for rent at New Maker Yards and discover more at getliving.com.

Read more

Featured image: Karen Wright Photography

Property

Inside the million-pound four bedroom barn conversion in Cheshire

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

There’s a million-pound barn conversion just gone up for sale in Cheshire, and of course, we couldn’t resist looking around.

This property is nestled in the idyllic village of Warburton in Lymm, just a short 40-minute drive from Manchester.

The four-bedroom, two-bath property spans over two properties, featuring a nice little detached garage and a cosy back garden.

At first glance, you may be captivated by the sheer beauty that is the grand barn-twanged canopy which overhangs the property’s driveway, but we’ve still got a barn conversion to explore.

The minimalistic kitchen with accompanying island and breakfast bar.
The minimalistic kitchen with accompanying island and breakfast bar.
The dining room separated by that quirky three-arch brick wall.
The dining room separated by that quirky three-arch brick wall.
Credit: On The Market

Titled ‘The Barn Birch Farm‘, as you enter through the front door and turn left, you’re greeted by a three-arch red brick wall which separates the kitchen from the dining space.

The kitchen is sleek black all around with a large island which also doubles as a breakfast bar in the middle of the room, which is also where the hob can be found.

Each room in this Cheshire barn conversion seems to wow us even more, and this time it’s the living room which captures our attention, thanks to the large log beams which perfectly frame the TV.

There’s an equally impressive log beam and archway which acts as a break between the main living space and a more snug seating area with a hearty fireplace taking centre stage.

If all that lounging around has you tired out, then you’re in luck as the bedroom is right next door with a large open-plan wardrobe and mezzanine en-suite.

There’s a spiral staircase that connects the bedroom to the mezz, which consists of both a shower and a bath. Very stylish and pretty lush, to say the least.

The main bedroom of the barn conversion with above mezzanine en-suite.
The main bedroom of the barn conversion with above mezzanine en-suite.
The bath and shower in the mezzanine en-suite overlooking the bedroom.
The bath and shower in the mezzanine en-suite overlooking the bedroom.
Credit: On The Market

All the bedrooms are situated under a wooden-beamed vaulted ceiling, which further adds to the character of the property – not a room goes without a sprinkle of this country-barn style.

Each of the first-floor bedrooms has its own skylight too, meaning once you’ve stopped admiring all the intricate barn details, you can opt for a bit of stargazing.

The garden is quite the sight as well, providing the barn conversion with its own mini forest and garage with not one but two undercover car parking spaces.

This barn conversion is the perfect property for anyone wanting to live out their cottage-core fantasy on a much larger scale.

Obviously, the price tag is out of a lot of our reach, but when a house looks as good as this, we can’t help but have a nosy. So, what do you make of The Barn Birch Farm? You can view all the pictures and find out more information HERE.

The snug area just behind the main living room, separated by the gorgeous wooden beams.
The snug area just behind the main living room, separated by the gorgeous wooden beams.
All the bedrooms have their own wooden beams which helps keep the barn character alive throughout the property.
All the bedrooms have their own wooden beams which helps keep the barn character alive throughout the property.
Credit: On The Market

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image: Supplied via On The Market

More Property

No.3 Circle Square CGI

Business

Global sportswear brand PUMA to open new UK HQ in £87m Manchester development

Audio

Music venue charity issues ‘shocked’ statement ahead of impending Manchester closure

Huge new aparthotel Joyce by The James planned for Manchester's Gay Village

Business

Huge new aparthotel planned for Manchester’s Gay Village

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches