That iconic Ian Brown quote, as comical as it may be, is one that’s hung over the city for years now, and could have a lot to with why rising numbers of Mancunians are said to be scoping out the property market in the Lancashire seaside town of Morecambe, but according to several industry experts, the hit ITV drama The Bay probably has a lot more to do with it.
Recent data collated and published by leading property search website Rightmove has revealed that searches for homes in Morecambe surged by 71% in the space of just a week, with the town recording a bigger seven-day increase in searches than anywhere else in Britain.
The average asking price of a home in Morecambe is currently £151,607, which is 6.4% more than a year ago.
The Lancashire town is known for its five-mile stretch of sandy beach and promenade, and streets lined with cafes, restaurants and hotels. Its seafront is home to an Eric Morecambe statue overlooking the bay – which has becoming a popular tourist attraction – as well as a renowned art deco-inspired hotel, The Midland, which has also been used as a location in the past for another popular ITV show – Agatha Christie’s Poirot.
ADVERTISEMENT
It was also revealed last November that plans for the Eden Project North – part of a wider project aiming to “re-imagine Morecambe as a seaside resort for the 21st Century” – had taken a big step forward following a £70 million funding bid.
And now, with the return of the ITV show The Bay shining a light on the Northern town once again thanks to its second series, which hit screens a few weeks back, it’s easy to see why people are flocking to Morecambe.
ADVERTISEMENT
The first series of the show drew in an average of 7.2 million viewers across six episodes alone.
freeimageslive
Estate agents in Morecambe also believe the recent surge in property popularity is due to the fact you can bag yourself a range of properties sizes for pretty reasonable prices, which is prompting people who live in expensive cities to think about moving.
Speaking on the recent interest, Laura Fort – at Ibay Homes in Morecambe – said: “The Bay has certainly put Morecambe on the map in recent weeks.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We’re already seeing lots of people moving here from Manchester and London, [which is] probably because you can get a real bargain and buy a four-bed house for about £150,000.”
It’s not just interest in properties for sale that has seen a recent hike either.
Searches for homes to rent were also up 22% over the same period, presumably from the show’s fans looking for a getaway by the ocean, with renting in Morecambe typically costing around £612 per month.
The recent surge for properties in Morecambe, however, is said to be part of a wider national interest in coastal living that has been identified as of late, with parts of Devon and Cornwall also seeing a jump as people re-evaluate their lifestyles due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
According to Rightmove data, the top 10 UK locations with the biggest weekly percentage increases in buyer searches are:
ADVERTISEMENT
Morecambe, Lancashire – 71%
Looe, Cornwall – 59%
Ilfracombe, Devon – 43%
Saxmundham, Suffolk – 34%
Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland – 32%
Motherwell, Lanarkshire – 24%
Callington, Cornwall – 23%
Prudhoe, Northumberland – 22%
Camborne, Cornwall – 21%
Newquay, Cornwall – 20%
ITV / The Bay / Ben Blackall
Tim Bannister – Director of Property Data at Rightmove – said: “People are watching TV shows such as The Bay and then scrolling through Rightmove on their devices to see what’s available.
“The same is true of Devon and Cornwall.
“There’s a number of Cornwall-focused lifestyle shows on TV at the moment and it’s hard not to get swept away dreaming about a life in the South West.
“We already know that rural and seaside areas are rising in popularity, so it’s a trend that bodes well for sellers in these locations.”
___
The Bay continues on ITV this Wednesday 3rd February.
Property
10 hot properties for sale in Greater Manchester | November 2024
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.
___
Millgate
Egerton, Bolton, Greater Manchester, BL7
Claves
Millgate / Credit: Claves
Detached | x4 Bedrooms | x2 Bathrooms
Situated at the end of a quiet residential street in the popular Bolton village of Egerton, which is highly-regarded for its local schools, and access to nearby amenities and transport links across Greater Manchester and beyond, is this four-bedroom detached family home that’s being offered to the market in immaculate condition.
Ready for growing families of all sizes to move straight into, the property has been renovated by the current owners to a very high standard, and now boasts flexible living spaces that are bright, modern, and open-plan.
Externally, the property has garden areas to the rear, and comes with off-road driveway parking for several vehicles.
Millgate / Credit: Claves
The property is currently on the market Bolton-based independent estate agents, Claves, for £575,000 (Offers Over).
How would you like to own your very-own piece of Manchester history? Well now you can. That’s because there’s a well-presented two-bedroom maisonette is currently on the market on Ancoats’ iconic Anita Street, and it’s merely a stone’s throw away from all the convenient amenities on offer in the city centre, as well as being close to public transport links taking you across the region.
Being offered to the market in the enviable position of having no onward chain, this means the property is ready to move straight into.
The property also comes with designated parking.
ADVERTISEMENT
Anita Street / Credit: Goodwin Fish
The property is currently on the market with Manchester-based independent estate agents, Goodwin Fish, for £310,000 (Offers Over).
Occupying a commanding position on an attractive residential road in the Swinley area of Wigan, which is close to a wide range of amenities, good local schooling options, and transport links across Greater Manchester, is this stunning five-bedroom Victorian semi-detached family home that estate agents say is “brimming with character and charm” throughout.
Having been mostly restored by the current owners, this property is now ideally-suited to someone looking for a truly impressive home that they are still able to put their own stamp on.
The property backs directly on to Whitley Reservoir from the rear garden, and also comes with ample off-road driveway parking.
Spencer Road / Credit: Morgan H Lewis
The property is currently on the market with Wigan-based independent estate agents, Morgan H Lewis, for £485,950 (Offers in the Region of).
If you’re looking for an immaculately-presented apartment within a beautiful historic building, then this property could be just what you’re looking for.
Situated in the Grade II-listed Stableford Hall in the heart of Monton – a highly sought-after location renowned for its charm and vibrant community, as well as being conveniently close to Salford’s many amenities, local schooling options, and transport links – is this three-bedroom apartment that estate agents describe as being “expertly crafted”.
The property has been tastefully-modernised, while still retaining original features like beams and vaulted ceilings, and it comes with securely-gated parking for residents.
Stableford Hall / Credit: Thornley Groves
The property is currently on the market with the Monton branch of independent estate agents, Thornley Groves, for £375,000.
Said to be “steeped in historical significance”, and therefore a rare addition to the Greater Manchester housing market, is this magnificent three-bedroom semi-detached family home located just a short stroll from the vibrant Heaton Moor village, as well as all the amenities, good local schools, and convenient transport links that make it such a highly-regarded area to live.
ADVERTISEMENT
Estate agents say this home represents a truly “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for prospective buyers, as it’s full of beautiful period features, and extensive renovations, as well as its enviable location.
The property boasts a vast front courtyard with ample off-road parking to the front, and a breathtaking garden to the rear.
Didsbury Road / Credit: Philip James Kennedy
The property is currently on the market with the Heaton Moor branch of independent estate agents, Philip James Kennedy, for £1.1 million.
Situated on a highly sought-after development in Bury, but described by estate agents as “standing apart from others in the area” due to its modern external look, is this absolutely stunning three-bedroom detached bungalow that has undergone a major remodelling and refurbishment by the current owners a couple of years back.
No expense has been spared with the renovations, with some of the key updates to the property including a new roof, rewiring, re-plastering, a new kitchen with integrated appliances, a fitted ensuite, and new flooring throughout.
ADVERTISEMENT
Externally, the property has an integrated garage and off-road driveway parking for several vehicles.
Newington Drive / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
The property is currently on the market with the Bury branch of local estate agency chain, Miller Metcalfe, for £425,000.
Occupying an enviable position in the sought-after Tameside village of Mottram, which is known and loved for its rural feel while still being conveniently-close to all the local amenities, good schools, and transport links needed for daily life, is this attractive stone-built family home boasting five spacious bedrooms and lots of flexible living spaces.
Estate agents say the property is “deceptively spacious” and offers growing families, or those who value open-plan living, a unique blend of modern living and period charm.
Externally, the property offers an inviting extension of the home, and is perfect for relaxation and entertaining.
ADVERTISEMENT
Church Brow / Credit: EweMove
The property is currently on the market with the North West branch of estate agency chain, EweMove, for £495,000 (Offers in Excess of).
Occupying a prime position in the heart of Diggle, which is one of Oldham’s most sought-after villages, and backing onto picturesque hills with far-reaching panoramic views, is this three-bedroom detached family home that that has been tastefully-modernised throughout and is now being offered to the market in immaculate condition.
A true credit to the current owners, some of the stunning property’s stand-out features include a modern open-plan kitchen and dining space, which opens to the sitting room/snug, and four double bedrooms, two with en-suites.
There is a double driveway for off-road parking to the front of the property, and large landscaped gardens to the rear.
Littlemoor Lane / Credit: Kirkham Property
The property is currently on the market with the Uppermill branch of independent estate agents, Kirkham Property, for £600,000.
Arguably one of the most impressive properties currently on the market within one of Greater Manchester’s most sought-after residential villages is this immaculate seven-bedroom detached family home nestled in a secluded and exclusive cul-de-sac in Hale Barns, offering prospective buyers both privacy and elegance in equal measure.
Presented across three expansive floors, the property features four reception rooms, a fully equipped open-plan kitchen ideal for modern living, seven spacious double bedrooms, and five luxurious bath/shower rooms.
The home is accessed through a gated entrance which leads to a large gravel driveway, attached garage, and beautifully-landscaped gardens that surround the side and rear of the property.
Elmsway / Credit: Jackson-Stops
The property is currently on the market with Hale branch of independent estate agents, Jackson Stops, for a Guide Price of £2.75 million.
This two-bedroom detached true bungalow is located within the desirable Rochdale district of Thornham – which is ideally placed for amenities, good local schools, and access to public transport links – and offers prospective buyers a unique opportunity to live on one of the area’s most sought-after residential roads.
The property has been completely modernised by the current owners over the last year, and estate agents says “no expense has been spared” with the renovations undertaken.
As well as the light and spacious accommodations on offer inside the property, externally, this home sits on a good-sized plot with a garden to the front, and a paved driveway that leads to the attached garage.
Ferndale Avenue / Credit: Ryder & Dutton
The property is currently on the market with the Royton branch of local estate agents, Ryder & Dutton, for £475,000.
Inside the stunning £10m Cheshire mansion with an indoor pool and tennis court
Emily Sergeant
An absolutely breathtaking Georgian mansion set among picturesque grounds is currently on the market in Cheshire.
The only thing is, you’ll just need the small matter of £10 million before you can call it yours.
Of course, it goes without saying that the vast majority of people reading this article won’t have £10 million just sitting in their bank account right now, and that properties of this size and stature are not the kind we’ll ever get to call home.
But, if like us, you’ve got no shame in admitting you love looking at houses you can’t afford in places you’ll probably never live, then allow us to introduce you to this absolute stunner.
Take a look inside Whirley Hall.
A stunning mansion with an indoor pool and a tennis court has gone on the market in Cheshire for £10 million / Credit: Jackson Stops
Located in Over Alderley – which is one of Cheshire‘s many affluent and sought-after villages, known for combining the best of rural living, while still being conveniently close to a wide range of amenities, excellent local schools, and transport links into Greater Manchester, the rest of the North West, and beyond – this eight-bedroom home has so much to offer prospective buyers.
Dating back to the 1670s, this four-storey former residence of the Birtles and Hibbert families is a beautifully-conceived Grade II-listed home set in what is arguably one of the area’s best locations.
Estate agents say this property is truly “exquisite”, not only for its Georgian architecture, but also for its contemporary leisure suite, five-acres of glorious gardens, two separate cottages, and further 56-acres of surrounding land.
“Countless” original features can be found inside the property.
The property has been renovated to the highest of standards throughout / Credit: Jackson Stops
All of the brickwork, windows, and fine plasterwork have been “meticulously restored” to complement the property’s striking interiors.
With a layout described as “inviting”, and the property completed to a “luxurious” material specification, the home is said to be a lesson in modern elegance, while still being the most relaxed and comfortable it could be, with all the natural light enhanced and living space utilised.
Some of the property’s stand-out features include a bespoke kitchen, four ensuite bedroom suites, each with their own dressing rooms, a state-of-the-art leisure suite with an indoor pool, spa, steam room, and gym, and its very-own tennis court set within the grounds.
With 56-acres of grounds, and its own tennis court, the outside is just as impressive as the inside / Credit: Jackson Stops
If the property wasn’t already impressive enough on the inside, its equally as impressive when you step outside too.
As well as the approximately five-acres of landscaped gardens, orchard, and a pond, and the approximately 56.29-acres of attached parkland, paddocks, woodland, and lakes, the property also has a steel-framed agricultural barn in its grounds, as well as a number of outbuildings – including a garden store and pottery studio.
The property also comes with an extensive driveway and covered parking for around four vehicles.
Whirley Hall is currently on the market with the Alderley Edge branch of local estate agents, Jackson Stops, for a whopping £10 million (Offers in Excess of), and if you fancy taking a closer look, then you can contact the property company to arrange a viewing.
Or you could just take the cheaper route instead and have a nosey at the Rightmove link here.
Emily Sergeant -
1st February 2021 
