Manchester has seen property prices rise astronomically over the last five years. This would suggest that the bubble has burst, and the areas where you can pick up quality investment properties have all but dried up.

That is not the case, and Greater Manchester still has several suburbs and towns where bargains are still to be had. However, these properties are selling fast. We pick out our favourites in the article below.

Sale

The whole Trafford area is a great investment opportunity for short-term lets. The area is filled with young professionals and students. They tend to value its close proximity to the city centre and educational establishments like Salford University and the University of Manchester, along with its excellent public transport links.

Sale is one of the many great spots here, located along the Bridgewater Canal. Lots of investment has brought the centre to life, and with it have come an abundance of bars, restaurants, and independent shops. This has turned it into a cultural hub of sorts.
A terraced home or flat will cost around £310,400, with an average property price coming in at around £375,000. You can expect a rental yield of around 8% if you are looking to buy and let.

Gorton

Gorton is an extremely overlooked area. Gentrification is just starting to creep in, as it attracts young professionals who want access to Stockport and the cosmopolitan area of Levenshulme. It is also extremely close to West Didsbury, which has historically always been a trendy area out of the city centre.

The average property price here is around £185,024. An average rental comes in at 7.80%. However, if you already own a property in Gorton, it is worth noting that prices have risen an astounding 24% over the past five years. If the young professional life is no longer for you and you want to move on, now could be the best time to sell. Much easier than it was five years ago, selling can now be done online with the help of companies like Sold.co.uk. They can buy a property with quick cash offers or even help you sell it if you prefer a more traditional estate agent route. This comes with no hidden fees, and you can sell within your own timeframe.

Wigan

Wigan may be on the outskirts of Greater Manchester, but this is its strength as opposed to its weakness. It allows access to all the major cities and does so with a number of attractive locations. It also has several major companies that operate in the area, such as the food manufacturing company Heinz.

Astley is a village just off the Bridgewater Canal, connected yet surrounded by greenery. Average properties cost around £252,570, making them highly affordable. Other towns include Tyldesley, a market town that hugs the moors, boasting an average house price of £220,819.

The North West is undergoing a regeneration, and property prices will continue to rise. As a seller, now may be the time to benefit from the equity in your home. As a buyer, it offers unparalleled potential for rental yields. There has never been a better time to invest in Greater Manchester.

Manchester homeowners have been urged to take some key simple steps to ward off condensation and potentially dangerous mould this winter.

As the country enters the colder months, the re-emergence of bathroom mould will become an increasingly annoying household issue.

Central heating and reduced ventilation tends to create ideal conditions for mould growth as it thrives in damp, poorly ventilated spaces, and the bathroom is often the perfect breeding ground.

Jennifer Shaw, an expert at Plumbworld, said: “What might appear as condensation to begin with can quickly lead to mould – which can, in serious cases, lead to health issues in the long run.

“While removing condensation altogether is impossible in a bathroom, there are ways to minimise it and get rid of it quickly.”

Here are five essential tips to prevent mould from taking hold in your bathroom this winter.

1. Maximise ventilation

Proper ventilation is the most effective way to prevent mould. “One of the simplest ways to keep mould at bay is to ensure your bathroom is well-ventilated,” said Jennifer.

“Make sure to open windows or use an extractor fan every time you use the shower or bath.”

Even in the colder months, it’s crucial to allow fresh air to circulate, helping to reduce moisture levels that can lead to mould growth.

“I would also recommend keeping the door slightly ajar after a shower to let the humidity escape.”

2. Wipe down surfaces after use

Mould can start forming within 24 to 48 hours on damp surfaces. To prevent this, Jennifer advises: “After showering, take a few minutes to wipe down the tiles, shower door, and any other surfaces that may have collected moisture. This simple habit can make a big difference in keeping mould at bay.”

Using a squeegee on glass surfaces and tiles can quickly remove excess water and reduce the risk of mould.

3. Avoid leaving damp towels in the bathroom

“Damp towels are a major contributor to excess moisture in the bathroom,” warns Jennifer. Instead of leaving wet towels to dry in the bathroom, she suggests hanging them in a well-ventilated area, such as a heated towel rail or a laundry room. This not only helps in preventing mould but also keeps your towels fresher for longer.

4. Keep your bathroom clean and dry

Regular cleaning is essential to preventing mould buildup.

“Make it a habit to clean your bathroom thoroughly at least once a week,” says Jennifer.

Use mould-resistant cleaning products, particularly on grout lines, shower curtains, and around sinks where mould is most likely to develop. After cleaning, make sure the bathroom is thoroughly dried, as moisture left behind can still contribute to mould growth.

5. Invest in a dehumidifier

In particularly damp bathrooms, a dehumidifier can be an invaluable tool.

“If your bathroom struggles with humidity even after taking other preventive measures, consider investing in a small dehumidifier,” suggests Jennifer. “It can help reduce moisture levels and prevent mould spores from taking root.”