North West Property Buying Guide

At approximately 5,500 square miles, the North West is the third-most populated region in the UK, encompassing Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside.

Manchester and Liverpool dominate the region, while Chester, Wigan and Warrington are more vibrant areas. The North West is also home to the picturesque Lake District, the Forest of Bowland and parts of the Peak District, Pennines and Yorkshire Dales.

Whether you’re looking for help choosing an area or advice on the latest property schemes available, our buying guide for North West England is here to help.

Salford and Tameside top the charts as the two main investment areas in the North West. This is based on rental yields, property value, demand and growth. Both are within commuting distance of Manchester while offering a laid-back local atmosphere.

Wigan is also highly rated thanks to its low crime rates, excellent schools and affordable property prices, up 12% between 2020 and 2023.

Considering the affordable property prices, student population, culture and access to the coast, Liverpool promises excellent rental yields, making it a perfect city to invest in property. Likewise, Manchester recorded an increase in property prices of a little over 10% between 2020 and 2023.

If you’re looking to buy a second property to rent out, the North West is a great place to do so. The region has recently been rated the best part of the UK to invest in.

The North West is brimming with desirable places to live in. The region boasts a wealth of sought-after spots where properties are at a premium.

Wilmslow

A leafy suburb in Cheshire, Wilmslow is just over ten miles south of Manchester City Centre with easy access to the city’s Manchester Airport. The area is suitable for families, with excellent schools and plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants.

Bollington

Bollington is a superb spot for nature lovers, with the Peak District on its doorstep. The town is also within commuting distance of Macclesfield and Manchester City Centre.

Chorlton

Chorlton is one of the region’s most attractive places to live, contributing to competition in the property market. Just a few miles from Manchester City Centre, this suburb is famous for its independent shops, cafés and restaurants. It also has excellent transport links into the city.

From family attractions to natural landscapes and outstanding schools, many would regard the North West the best place to raise a family in the UK. Whether looking for a quiet rural area or the best city for family life, the region offers something to suit all lifestyles.

Macclesfield

Surrounded by the Cheshire countryside and less than 20 miles from Manchester, Macclesfield is a great place for children to grow up. There are several outstanding schools in the local area, not to mention many local parks.

Trawden

In the Trawden Forest, at the foot of Boulsworth Hill in Lancashire, Trawden is a charming spot with plenty going for it. If you're moving with your family, you'll benefit from exciting amenities, including a library, retail outlets and a community centre.

Southport

Southport is hard to beat if you want to raise your children beside the sea. Less than 20 miles along the coast from Liverpool and a similar distance to Preston, you’ll feel like you’re always on holiday.

 

Ofsted rankings of best schools in the North West

School	Ofsted Rating	Date of Inspection
Archbishop Blanch Secondary School	Outstanding	March 2020
Preston Muslim Girls High School	Outstanding	February 2023
Greenbank School	Outstanding	January 2021
Auckland College	Outstanding	March 2022
St Mary’s RC Primary School	Outstanding	July 2022
Our Lady’s Catholic High School	Outstanding	November 2022
Skelton Primary School	Good	July 2022
Sacred Heart Primary School	Outstanding	June 2020
Levenshulme High School	Outstanding	July 2022
Loreto College	Outstanding	February 2023

 

From picturesque stretches of coastline to breathtaking national parks, the North West is home to a glittering array of beautiful natural spaces. Are you searching for country property for sale in the North West or longing to live on the coast? Whatever it is, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Formby

Just over ten miles north of Liverpool City Centre, this desirable coastal town is famous for its spectacular beach, perfect for walks come rain or shine. 

Ulverston

On the banks of the River Leven, south of the Lake District, Ulverston is among the best places to live in the region. It provides superb access to Morecambe Bay, Roudsea Wood and Mosses National Nature Reserve.

Windermere

On the eastern shore of Lake Windermere, Windermere boasts some of the most attractive rural properties for sale in the North West. Lakeside property may be hard to come by. Wherever you buy here, you’ll be surrounded by endless natural beauty in this stunning part of the Lake District.

As a place of contrasts, the North West suits everyone, from enjoying expansive natural landscapes to day trips to leading cities.

Many North West locations are in demand for their rural charm, while others are popular for their modern amenities. This includes transport links to Manchester and Liverpool. The M62 connects the two; The M6, M56, M60 and M65 also link up the region.

The North West is home to two major international airports – Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon. Not to mention comprehensive rail links, making getting around straightforward. Train lines run throughout the region, while Greater Manchester also benefits from a city-wide Metrolink system.

Buying your home in Manchester

As the region’s biggest city, new properties in Manchester are always in demand. There’s no shortage of attractions here, from some of the country’s top schools to cultural highlights.

Manchester house prices rose by 15% between 2020 and 2023.

Stretford

A property hotspot for investment, Stretford is a popular place to call home. A few miles outside Manchester City Centre with a tram stop, the area is convenient for commuters, getting to Old Trafford football ground, the Trafford Centre and Salford Keys.

Worsley

Houses in Worsley are located near beautiful nature spots like Blackleach and Clifton country park. They also boast excellent transport links to neighbouring areas. House prices here have risen by 23% between 2020 and 2023.

Buying your home in Liverpool

As one of the UK’s most culturally rich and exciting cities, Liverpool is packed with history and things to do for the whole family. Liverpool property prices rose by 16% between 2020 and 2023.

Wallasey

Boasting a superb Merseyside location, this town is perfect for Liverpool property on the coast. Thanks to its sandy beach, coastal park, waterfront attractions and local golf clubs, house prices in Wallasey have grown in popularity recently, up 20% between 2020 and 2023.

St Helens

Just over ten miles east of Liverpool City Centre, St Helens is another strong contender if you’re looking for affordable Liverpool homes. Long-term prospects are good in terms of protecting your investment, with St Helens house prices increasing by 15% between 2020 and 2023.

Buying your home in Warrington

One of the North West’s most significant towns, Warrington offers excellent access to Manchester, Liverpool and the M56 and M62 motorways. Local attractions include Gulliver’s World theme park and Walton Gardens. House prices in the area have increased by just under 10% between 2020 and 2023.

Appleton

Part of our advice for buying a home in Warrington involves looking at the Appleton area. Just the other side of the River Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal, this desirable spot boasts house prices that rose by 13% between 2020 and 2023.

Runcorn

This town is conveniently located on the south bank of the River Mersey, convenient for access to Warrington, Liverpool and Manchester. Despite increasing by more than 6% between 2020 and 2023, house prices in Runcorn remain more affordable than in the surrounding areas.

Buying your home in Lancaster

On the North West’s coastline, between Morecambe Bay and the Forest of Bowland, Lancaster is a small city with significant potential. Also offering excellent access to the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, house prices in Lancaster rose by 12% from 2020 to 2023.

Buying your home in Preston

Preston, an exciting city with a vibrant student population, lies midway between the coast and the Forest of Bowland. Transport links to Liverpool and Manchester are excellent, as are local property prices. House prices in Preston increased by 3% from 2020 to 2023.

Fulwood

The northern suburb of Fulwood is close to the city centre, Royal Preston Hospital and various green spaces.

Leyland

This is a more affordable area where prices are below the local average. Properties in Leyland are in demand, with a growth of 10% between 2020 and 2023.

Longridge

Northeast of Preston, Longridge is a sought-after market town surrounded by pretty open countryside, including the Forest of Bowland and Ribble and Alt Estuaries.

Buying your home in Chester

A beautiful city with majestic architecture and thousands of years of history, Chester is a wonderful place to live. There are attractions around town for all ages, plus plenty of excellent schools and natural landscapes to explore.

Average property prices in Cheshire and Chester increased by 11% and 6% between 2020 and 2023, with semi-detached homes being the best-selling.