Altrincham and Hale are benefitting from a property market surge, with many homes now standing above £1m.
Demand has never been higher in the luxurious Cheshire suburbs, with wealthy families from across the country flocking to the area.
Good schools
For decades, the market has been supported primarily by parents seeking excellent schools for their children, with several primaries and secondaries in the area scoring well in both inspections and exam results.
Loreto, Ambrose and the Altrincham Girls and Boys schools are just a few institutions that are highly sought after by wealthy parents.
More affordable than other luxury suburbs
The average house price in Altrincham will set you back £435,975, more than double the average for Greater Manchester. In Hale, you’re looking at £532,471.
Although house prices in Altrincham and Hale tend to tower above nearby Sale and Wythenshawe, these picturesque suburbs could be considered excellent value when compared to places slightly further south such as Bowdon, Alderley Edge, Wilmslow and Knutsford.
Estate Agent Stuart Howe said: “People get used to living close to Hale village and Altrincham town centre and though they know moving five miles further will get them a bigger house and a bigger garden, they would rather beg, borrow or steal to stay put.”
High competition
However, having the money to buy a home in these areas isn’t always enough to secure a property. Many homes are being snapped up within a matter of hours by buyers desperate to move into the areas.
Broadway, situated by St Ambrose school, is just one postcode that’s absolutely booming.
Estate agents in the area say that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find ‘for sale’ signs along the road because it’s popular with families wishing for a large space as their ‘forever home’.
In the last five years, the road has seen just three property sales and with an average price tag of £2.94m, demand is high.
Stuart said: “When people are paying those kinds of prices they are looking to buy their forever home; it isn’t just about meeting their immediate needs but their needs for the next 20 to 30 years.
“They want the four and five bedrooms to allow their family to grow into the home; they want the space in the garden for the trampoline and the football goals.
Growing in popularity with young professionals
Good schools certainly aren’t the only asset associated with Altrincham and Hale. They’re starting to become increasingly popular with young professionals looking for a trendy place to live and, quite possible, an escape from the city centre.
Thanks to the £175,000 transformation of Altrincham Market, which opened in 2014, and a host of trendy bars, restaurants and shops, the town is becoming increasingly lively and gaining a reputation as a fierce competitor to Manchester’s Didsbury and Chorlton.
