This month FTB goes on the hunt with Alex Andres and Hope Chatterton who are looking for their first home close to Salford, Greater Manchester, with space for home working and good local facilities.
Fact File
- Name Alex Andres, 33 and Hope Chatterton, 33
- Occupation Digital marketing manager, digital content creator
- Maximum budget £300,000
- Requirements A new home with at least two bedrooms within a 40-minute commute of Salford; a good range of entertainment options nearby, along with local shops and facilities, would be ideal
What they wanted…
After five years of working mostly remotely, from Chester, Hope has a new job that requires more time in the office in Salford Quays. We currently live in Chester with Hope’s mum and we’re looking to buy a place of our own a little closer to Hope’s work in Salford – and of course to Manchester – the city that we met in and really love spending time in. We are fairly easy when it comes to exact location: Hope doesn’t mind driving around 40 minutes each way to work. I work from home so it would be nice to have a second bedroom or designated office space. We would also prefer to not live in a super busy area. Although we love city life, we also like our own space and some peace and quiet. We wouldn’t rule out a more rural setting – all that matters to us is that we find a place that feels like home.”
What we found…
The wildcard
Woodlands at Round Hill Gardens Congleton, Cheshire
From £330,000
The historic town of Congleton is minutes from this collection of two to four bedroom homes that have been created in period styling to complement their surroundings. The development is proving popular with families and young professionals, with houses selling quickly. Stunning Cheshire countryside is all around, while Manchester and the Peaks are easily accessible by car. The contemporary houses feature open-plan living spaces leading to private gardens, utility rooms, well-sized bedrooms and off-road parking. Future plans for the area include a new school and shopping facilities.
redrow.co.uk
What they thought…
This is a more rural location and the area looks beautiful. The homes are lovely, too – even in the two bedroom houses there are separate kitchen and dining rooms, meaning it would always feel spacious. We also love that there’s a good-sized back garden. There’s a lot to offer in terms of amenities in Congleton, while Macclesfield and Stoke are an easy drive away. But we’d essentially be in the countryside, which is something we’d need to consider carefully. Manchester is around 55 minutes by car, so it is possible.”
The multiple choice
Stonecross Vale Winsford, Cheshire
From £55,000 – Based on a 25% shareof the full market value of £220,000
These contemporary two, three and four bedroom homes sit in the thriving town of Winsford in the heart of Cheshire. Residents have access to the wonderful cities of Chester, Liverpool, Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent – for a huge variety of cultural experiences. Winsford itself is well equipped, while the picturesque countryside trails of Whitegate Way and majestic landscape of Delamere Forest lie close by. At home, the properties feature plenty of space, with a large living/dining area and lounge, well-proportioned bedrooms and contemporary bathrooms.
snugghomes.co.uk
What they thought…
This part of the world is really great for getting out and enjoying an active lifestyle, which we are super keen on. It’s fantastic that there are so many great areas within an easy drive, so we’d always be spoilt for choice for things to do. We’d also be closer to Hope’s mum and her amazing Sunday roasts! Salford is under an hour’s drive, which is a big tick in the box. Of course, the houses themselves seem great. We’re particularly interested in the energy-efficiency features and the savings that these can make.”
The best of both worlds
Putting Green at Brackley Village Little Hulton, Manchester
From £232,995
Located 10 miles west of Manchester, Brackley Village is a sought-after location for house hunters seeking a settled life within easy reach of the city. The town of Walkden is close for a good selection of shops (M&S, B&M and the UK’s largest Tesco), while Preston, Bolton and Manchester are all under 30 minutes by car. This development offers two bedroom apartments and two, three and four bedroom houses, created with a focus on sustainability, community and quality design. Interiors are smart and modern, with sleek kitchens and fully tiled bathrooms.
bellway.co.uk
What they thought…
There’s some really lovely countryside and woodland on the doorstep of this development – but Bolton and Manchester are also both within such easy reach! This is definitely a good spot for finding that balance between busy and laid-back life – a dream for us, for sure. We’re big fans of the styling here, and love the layouts of the two bedroom houses. There’s a downstairs toilet and separate kitchen and living room – it really would feel like such a lot of space compared to what we’re used to.”
The cultural connection
Phoenix Quarter Salford, Greater Manchester
From £364,950
This collection of two and three bedroom apartments and two to four bedroom houses lies just under two miles from Salford Quays. There’s a great deal for residents right on the doorstep: Salford Museum, Arts Theatre and Clarendon Park are all within a 10-minute walk. This development is ideal for families looking to upsize as well as young professionals and home starters. The houses feature gardens, downstairs WC and parking, while residents in the apartments will enjoy spacious living areas opening to private balconies.
newhomes.lovell.co.uk
What they thought…
We love that there are museums and theatres within walking distance. I like the idea of being able to stroll home from an evening out. The properties are stylish, too! We love the contemporary architecture, and the communal grounds and green spaces make it special. We can imagine this type of development fosters a sense of community. It’s a short drive or bus ride for Hope to get to work and I know we’d enjoy the choice of enjoying the Quays, going into the city centre or just relaxing in our own home.”
First choice!
The waterside wonder
Worrall Street Salford, Greater Manchester
From £48,750 – Based on a 25% share of the full market value of £195,000
The first phase of apartments and townhouses has launched at this impressive development in Salford. The one to three bedroom homes are positioned perfectly for city lovers – equidistant between Salford Quays and the city of Manchester – both just 1.5 miles away. The contemporary properties feature a shared co-working space as well as a private roof garden. Inside the homes, interiors are sleek and spacious with open-plan living/dining areas and floor-to-ceiling windows that optimise the natural light. Endless opportunities for entertainment lie in every direction; life will never be dull here.
plumlife.co.uk
What they thought…
This development and its location really do answer many of our needs – so close to the city and work, but also a more relaxed space in Salford, which has so much to offer. We love the idea you can take a stroll to the iconic waterfront of Salford Quays or jump on a tram and be in Manchester’s city centre. The on-site facilities are very appealing for us. I work from home a lot, and I would really relish having an on-site co-working space so that I can vary my working environment. It’s great that you can get your own outdoor space on the balconies – but also that there is a shared roof garden. We’re both social and would enjoy meeting the neighbours. Hope’s work would be within walking or cycling distance, which we feel would make big improvements to her and our work-life balances.“
The Next Step
“We are super excited by the location and affordability of Worrall Street and will ensure that we visit the show homes, the area and speak to our mortgage adviser as soon as we can – we really want to seal the deal on one of these amazing homes!”
First Time Buyer is an exciting bi-monthly glossy which takes a stylish and comprehensive look at all the options available, setting them out in an entertaining and informative way, and helping potential customers navigate their way through what is often a daunting and complex process. We dispel the myths, reinforce the facts and arm the reader with the tools necessary to make their homeownership dreams a reality.
