you’re thinking of moving to Manchester, you’ve got a lot to be excited about. This city is a wonderful place to live, especially for those in their 20s and 30s. Before you put a deposit on your new place, however, there are a few things worth bearing in mind. We’ve listed the essentials in our concise guide below.
According to Rightmove, properties sold in Manchester over the past year had an average value of just over £290,000. However, with such a volatile financial period still contributing to an unpredictable market, you should be prepared for this to fluctuate.
To make sure that you’re ready for unexpected changes, getting your finances in order could be prudent. You should be as flexible as possible with your budget and try not to make any compromises. Throughout the process, finding ways to build your credit score could help you prepare to make a better offer.
In 2022, Manchester was regularly named among the cheapest UK cities to call home – even through the cost-of-living crisis. For several years running, Manchester has been featured in the Economist’s list of the world’s most liveable cities, highlighting its suitability for a wide range of different buyer types.
It’s a good idea to familiarise with the cost of living in Manchester. You’ll need to factor in all the essentials, including groceries and the money you’ll inevitably spend on hospitality and entertainment when you live in this vibrant, lively city.
Manchester is incredibly well connected, boasting convenient transport links across the country in all directions. There are four major railway stations in the city centre alone, each offering useful links to other northern cities and commuting hubs in the UK.
Liverpool can be reached via rail in as little as 35 minutes from Manchester Victoria, while high-speed services from Manchester Piccadilly could get you to London Euston in just 2 hours and 15 minutes. Links to the M61, M66 and M6 motorways are quick and direct thanks to the M60, which surrounds the entire Greater Manchester area.
If you’re moving up to Manchester from somewhere further south in the UK, the weather might come as a bit of a surprise. It’s no secret that Manchester is a rainy city, butits north-westerly position means that it’ll usually get cooler temperatures too.
Spending your first winter in a city like Manchester might feel like a bit of a culture shock, so it’s worth doing some research to reduce the chances of experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The summertime is still typically mild and drier than the rest of the year.
Whether you’re a working professional or a busy parent raising young children, Manchester makes a brilliant choice for business and education. The city centre is home to several universities including the University of Manchester, a world-class institution part of the prestigious Russell Group.
Manchester is an immense attraction for national and multinational businesses. There’s a highly skilled workforce readily available to entrepreneurs, excellent transport links for workers, and cost viability for growing companies.
If you’ve got any local knowledge for first-time buyers considering a move to Manchester, why not share your best suggestions in the comments section below?
