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.
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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.
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The first series of the show drew in an average of 7.2 million viewers across six episodes alone.
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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.
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“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:
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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.”
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The Bay continues on ITV this Wednesday 3rd February.
Property
10 hot properties for sale in Greater Manchester | April 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.
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Landsdowne Road
Monton, Eccles, Salford, Greater Manchester, M30
Sell Well
Landsdowne Road / Credit: Sell Well
Terraced | x2 Bedrooms | x1 Bathroom
Situated just a stone’s throw from Monton, and merely a short walk away from all the enviable amenities on offer in the highly-sought-after neighbourhood, as well as good local schools, transport links across Greater Manchester and beyond, and the picturesque Bridgewater canal and Worsley village, is this attractive two-bedroom terrace offering plenty of flexible living space.
Having been fully renovated and finished to the highest of standards throughout by the current owners, the home provides an excellent opportunity for families, down-sizers, and First Time Buyers keen to get on the property ladder alike.
Estate agents say viewing is “highly recommended” to fully appreciate all the space on offer.
Landsdowne Road / Credit: Sell Well
The property is currently on the market with the Worsley-based independent estate agents Sell Well for £285,000 (Offers Over).
West Didsbury, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M20
Bridgfords
Old Landsdowne Road / Credit: Bridgfords
Apartment | x2 Bedrooms | x1 Bathroom
Offered to the market in impeccable condition, with easy access to a wide range of convenient amenities, local primary and secondary schooling options, and transport links into Manchester city centre and across the region, is this two-bedroom period duplex apartment in West Didsbury that’s been lovingly-maintained and improved by the current owners to an exceptional standard throughout.
Estate agents say it’s “arguably one of the most attractive duplex apartments” currently on the market in the area at the moment.
Internally, this stunning home occupies the ground and lower ground floor of a beautiful mansion conversion, with all living spaces having been renovated and modernised, while externally, there are attractive communal gardens and residents’ parking.
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Old Landsdowne Road / Credit: Bridgfords
The property is currently on the market with the Didsbury branch of estate agency chain Bridgfords for £330,000.
This stunning two-bedroom terraced cottage in the highly-sought-after Tameside village of Millbrook is perfect for young families, First Time Buyers, and down-sizers alike, all thanks to its semi-rural location and the fact it’s just a short distance from convenient amenities, good local schools, public transport links, and plenty of walks and open countryside.
Expertly combining character and charm with everything needed for modern-day living, the cottage has spacious accommodations throughout with an abundance of period features still retained.
Externally, the property is tucked away in a quiet location with lovely views to the front, and it also benefits from off-road parking too.
Croft Bank / Credit: Ryder & Dutton
The property is currently on the market with the Ashton-under-Lyne branch of local estate agency chain Ryder & Dutton for £175,000.
Fancy your own piece of lock-up-and-leave luxury living? Or just an immaculately-presented apartment close to a wide range of amenities, excellent local schools, and transport links across Greater Manchester that’s ready to move straight in to?
You’ll need look no further than Merryfield Grange then.
Situated in one of Bolton’s most sought-after residential areas, this two-bedroom apartment is located on the first floor of a modern building, and boasts stylish and contemporary open-plan living spaces throughout – which estate agents say have been “thoughtfully-designed to create an ambiance of comfort and elegance”.
Externally, the property benefits from a private balcony, secure gated parking facilities, and well-maintained communal garden areas.
Firwood Park, Chadderton, Oldham, Greater Manchester, OL9
Ryder & Dutton
Poppy Close / Credit: Ryder & Dutton
Semi-Detached | x3 Bedrooms | x1 Bathroom
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Offered to the market with no onward chain, occupying a prime position on the popular Firwood Park estate in Chadderton, and benefitting from being within easy-reaching-distance from local amenities, schools, and transport links, is this three-bedroom semi-detached home that’s been extended and renovated to a high standard throughout.
Ideal for young professionals and growing families, the property boasts bright and spacious living spaces, with the modern fitted kitchen, open-plan living and dining area, and three good-sized bedrooms being the stand-out features.
Externally, there is a landscaped garden with a patio area and artificial lawn to the rear of the house, and off-road driveway parking for three cars to the front.
Poppy Close / Credit: Ryder & Dutton
The property is currently on the market with the Oldham branch of local independent estate agents Ryder & Dutton for £275,000.
Occupying an enviable position and situated in one of Stockport’s most highly-regarded residential areas, with both easy-access to local amenities, schools, and convenient transport links, as well as nearby greenspaces and open countryside, is this magnificent four-bedroom semi-detached period property.
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Described as “oozing character and charm” throughout, and promised to “impress” any viewers who walk through its door, the family home has been extended to offer three good-sized reception rooms and four double bedrooms, as well as having plenty of period features retained too.
Externally, the property boast an easy-to-manage garden to the rear, and a garage with off-road parking for multiple vehicles to the front.
Viewing is definitely recommended for this one.
Townscliffe Lane / Credit: Gascoigne Halman
The property is currently on the market with the Marple Bridge branch of local estate agency chain Gascoigne Halman for £699,950.
Affetside is undoubtedly one of Bury’s most picturesque and sought-after villages, thanks to its semi-rural location and stunning surrounding countryside views everywhere you look, and it’s not very often that properties as attractive as this one come onto the market either, so this three-bedroom terraced cottage probably won’t stick around for long.
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The stunning stone farm building conversion is absolutely packed with character, charm, and period features throughout its spacious accommodations, yet it’s still got everything needed for modern-day life too.
A double driveway for several vehicles can be found at the front of the property, while there’s a beautifully-presented garden with a patio and panoramic views to the rear.
Watling Street / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
The property is currently on the market with the Bury branch of local estate agency chain Miller Metcalfe for £550,000.
Blackstone Edge Old Road, Littleborough, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL15
Prestige & Country Homes
Windy Ridge / Credit: Prestige & Country Homes
Detached | x4 Bedrooms | x4 Bathrooms
Now, how impressive is property? To be honest, ‘impressive’ doesn’t really do it justice.
Situated in the ever-popular Rochdale town of Littleborough, which continues to become more sought-after than ever before, offered to the market in immaculate condition, and described as being “simply stunning”, is three four-bedroom bespoke detached family home that’s like nothing else on offer in the area at the moment.
Not only does the property benefit from spacious and well-proportioned living accommodation in abundance, but it also boasts two wrap-around balconies which look out across panoramic views of picturesque open countryside.
Estate agents say the “crown jewel” of the property are the beautiful manicured gardens to the front and rear, and they also add that it needs to be viewed to be fully appreciated.
Windy Ridge / Credit: Prestige & Country Homes
The property is currently on the market with the estate agency label covering Manchester, Prestige & Country Homes, for £975,000.
Red Rock Lane, Haigh, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN2
Regan & Hallworth
Winstanley House / Credit: Regan & Hallworth
Detached | x5 Bedrooms | x3 Bathrooms
This has got to be one of the most unique properties currently on the market in Greater Manchester at the moment, right?
Occupying a rural location just outside of Haigh in Wigan – which, in case you hadn’t heard, is now officially one of Britain’s “poshest” villages, according to The Telegraph – and benefitting from open countryside and countless walks on the doorstep, as well as still be close to a thriving community, good schools, and transport links across Greater Manchester, is this five-bedroom detached family home that’s presented to the highest of standards throughout.
Flexible open-plan reception rooms, an “elegant” orangery leading off from a stunning kitchen / diner, and five double bedrooms, are just some of the accommodation highlights, alongside vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, roaring fireplaces, and more.
Stepping outside the property, you’ll find over six acres of formal gardens and land surrounding the home, as well as garages and off-road driveway parking for multiple vehicles.
Winstanley House / Credit: Regan & Hallworth
The property is currently on the market with the Wigan branch of local estate agency Regan & Hallworth for £1.4 million (Offers in Excess of).
Courtney Place, Bowdon, Altrincham, Trafford, Greater Manchester, WA14
Watersons
Lisheen / Credit: Watersons
Detached | x5 Bedrooms | x3 Bathrooms
Again, this is another one of Greater Manchester’s most impressive properties currently for sale.
Occupying an enviable plot on a quiet no-through road, and being described as a unique opportunity to own “a house of substance” that combines both space and privacy, with a “serene” backdrop to open farmland, is this undeniably stunning five-bedroom semi-detached bespoke family home in the highly-regarded Altrincham village of Bowdon.
As well as being within an easy-reach of countless local amenities, excellent schooling options, and convenient transport links across Greater Manchester and beyond, this property has been lovingly-maintained by the current owners and presented to a high standard throughout.
Not only are the spacious living accommodations an attractive factor of the home, but externally, it also boasts a sizeable driveway, two garages, a large garden to the rear, and stunning open countryside views.
Lisheen / Credit: Watersons
The property is currently on the market with the Hale branch of independent estate agents Watersons for £1,525,000.
Featured Image – Prestige & Country Homes | Bridgfords | Ryder & Dutton
Property
Work begins on dozens of new ‘affordable’ homes in Salford as part of £2.5bn regeneration
Emily Sergeant
Work is now underway on dozens of new ‘affordable’ homes in Salford as part of multi-billion pound regeneration scheme.
The exciting new development called Willohaus – which was granted planning permission by Salford City Council last summer – forms part of the wider £2.5 billion Crescent Salford regeneration, and is a partnership between Salford City Council, the University of Salford, and ECF (formerly The English Cities Fund).
100 “high-quality, sustainable, and affordable” one and two-bedroomed homes are set to be built on a disused carpark on Peru Street in the heart of Salford as part of the scheme.
The apartments have been designed to provide a “comfortable environment” for residents, as Passivhaus buildings can apparently reduce energy bills by up to 90%, when compared to traditional housing stock.
This essentially means residents can reduce their fuel bills, all while cutting carbon footprints too.
Work has begun on dozens of new ‘affordable’ homes in Salford / Credit: ECF North West
The Willohaus site is situated in the historic civic district of Salford, which has been undergoing extensive regeneration in recent years.
It was once a key industrial area for the city, and back in the 1800s, the site was home to a public bath house.
The construction of Willohaus follows the similar development of Passivhaus-standard homes, Greenhaus, situated nearby – which completed last month, and is made up of 96 affordable new homes in total.
Joe Stockton, who is the Senior Development Manager for ECF, said Willohaus will be an “upscale” on Greenhaus.
The Willohaus site is situated in the historic civic district of Salford / Credit: ECF North West
He explained: “Following our success delivering low-energy, Passivhaus-standard homes at nearby Greenhaus, we are now looking to upscale what has previously been done on a relatively small-scale, and make sustainable homes accessible and affordable for a wider range of customers.
“We’re looking forward to working with our partners to create a vibrant and well-connected neighbourhood at Crescent Salford, starting with our Willohaus community.”
Willohaus will also be the first Passivhaus-certified development to benefit from funding through the new ‘trailblazer’ devolution protocols, which have seen Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) given greater powers and funding to enable more “truly affordable net-zero homes” via the UK Government’s Affordable Homes Programme.
Tom Stannard, who is the CEO of Salford City Council, added: “It is such great news to see works starting on another eco-friendly development in our city.
Emily Sergeant -
1st February 2021 
