When you’re looking for a new place to live, the first question you ask either yourself, a search engine, or your estate agent is – which is the best area to live?
Nobody wants to unknowingly move into an area where there is a lack of amenities, leisure facilities and transport links, or where the crime rate is substantial.
Thankfully, if you’re making the move to the bustling industrial metropolis of the Northwest, with our expertise, we can help you find the best places to rent in Manchester.
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Why Rent in Manchester?
In 2023, Manchester was named the second-largest city in the entire UK, with only London being larger. This makes it an excellent choice if you’re looking for a vibrant and exciting city to relocate to, as there are plenty of opportunities for work, leisure and entertainment.
The reason that Manchester is such a popular place to live is because of its rich history combined with a modern, forward-thinking character. Manchester is broken up into various different districts, each with its own identity and appeal.
For example, there is Salford Quays, which is home to the BBC’s Media City HQ, The Lowry Theatre and Gallery Complex, several luxury apartments and a number of world-famous restaurants. Other notable features of Manchester include the imperial war museum, the AO Arena and newly built CO-OP Live arena next to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, and Manchester airport if you’re a regular flyer.
All in all, Manchester is a fantastic place to live if you’re looking for somewhere that constantly buzzes with activity.
Best areas to live in Manchester
Sale
Named as one of The Sunday Times’ best places to live in the UK, Sale is a steadfast favourite of one of the best areas to live in Manchester for both first time buyers and renters.
Containing Victorian detached houses alongside smaller terraced houses, there’s plentiful choice of places to rent. What’s more, Manchester City Centre is only a 20 minute trip away on the Metro line, making it a convenient choice for commuters. Staying local in the suburb will reward you with a bustling high street and highly-rated schools, so Sale continues to offer the best of both worlds.
Rental prices in Sale range from £300 pcm to £8,233 pcm with an average price of £1,126 pcm. (Correct at time of writing)
Castlefield
Castlefield is hailed as one of the more relaxed and tranquil suburbs of Manchester because of its long canal walks, waterfront independent bars and even canal-side outside music venue Castlefield Bowl.
A 6-minute drive from Manchester City Centre or a 10-minute train ride, its popularity is substantial with many young professionals, renters and families being enticed by its tranquillity and city access.
Castlefield offers some unique renting options too, including loft conversions that would not look out of place in New York City, to picturesque cobblestone streets and quaint cottages.
The architectural value and overall feel of the suburb means that it comes in at one of the most expensive areas on our list. Affordable options include house-sharing arrangements for young professionals which begin at £325, but rental prices in Castlefield range from £516 pcm to £18,000 pcm with average rental prices of £1,571 pcm.
The Northern Quarter
The Northern Quarter is one of the most popular places to live in Manchester, not just for young professionals but for families too. Containing Victorian terraced houses and some spacious flats, this suburb has a wonderful choice of 2-3 bedroom properties available at reasonable price ranges, making it highly sought after.
Right in the heart of the city, the Northern Quarter is popular with commuters who want to be close enough to work and experience everything Manchester has to offer.
For those looking for something more spacious and modern, there are also luxury lofts available in the area starting at an average price of £1000pcm. Rental prices for flats in Northern Quarter range from £750 pcm to £9,000 pcm with an average price of £1,543 pcm.
Best Places to Rent in Manchester
Tameside
Tameside is arguably one of the best places to rent in Manchester. Nearby there are some of Manchester’s best rated schools, which has made the area increasingly popular with young families.
Just a 30-minute drive from Manchester City Centre, it’s a perfect area for those looking to commute or who value nearby leisure facilities. Tameside itself contains a number of green spaces and wide open parks, which ensures a great balance between both city and rural life. Above all else, the sense of community in Tameside is warm, welcoming, and multicultural, making it an ideal place to call home.
Young professionals who may be house sharing can expect a starting rent of £450 pcm, which results in a tight budget going a lot further. Meanwhile the average property rent price in Tameside stands at £814 pcm (correct at the time of writing).
Wigan
Two-time winner of “The Happiest Place in Manchester” award, Wigan is one of the best, and cheapest places to rent in Manchester and the North West. A one bed apartment currently averages at around £435pcm which makes it a fantastic option for those who are on tighter budgets.
Wigan is diverse in its renting options too, ranging from affordable flats, spacious apartments and even tree-lined streets with gorgeous period houses. Manchester City Centre is around a 49 minute commute from Wigan, which could be the only drawback for those looking to have everything on their doorstep. However, Wigan itself offers an abundance of leisure facilities and transport links, including a 43 minute drive from Manchester Airport.
Rental prices in Wigan range from £300 pcm to £35,211 pcm with an average price of £745 pcm.
Best Buy-to-Let Areas in Manchester
Rusholme
Just off of the M14 corridor, Rusholme has been credited as one of the best buy to let areas in Manchester for property investment.
Rusholme is credited as a nice place to live, and it’s popular with University students because of the nearby educational facilities. Average property prices in the area were around £188,057 over the last year. and university students who opt not to stay in halls tend to gravitate towards the terraced houses of Rusholme.
If you’re interested in buying, buy to let property in Manchester, it’s recommended that landlords and property owners carefully assess how convenient the property will be for tenants. Many investors will offer competitive benefits, so it’s best to ensure the standard you are planning to offer compares well against competitors in the market.
Levenshulme
Named as one of the best places to live in the UK by the Sunday Times in 2019, Levenshulme is beginning to surge in popularity due to its lively food scene and close community feel.
A 12 minute drive to Manchester City Centre or a 24 minute bus ride also means it’s a great choice for young professionals. Due to the effects of the 2020 pandemic, city-centre renters are preferring to move out of apartments to favour larger properties with outside space in boroughs like Levenshulme.
Over the last year, the average house price in Levenshulme was £245,352. Overall, sold prices in Levenshulme over the last year were 2% up on the previous year and 11% up on the 2021 peak of £220,930.
Up and Coming Areas in Manchester
The Millennium Quarter, Manchester City Centre
Despite its magnificent name, the Millennium Quarter actually remains an unknown side of Manchester, but one that is deserving of being hailed as an up and coming area.
Since the IRA bombings in 1996, the quarter has undergone intense redesign and renovation, which has resulted in it becoming one of the fastest growing residential property markets in the city. Its closeness to the city and travel links to both Piccadilly and Victoria Stations also make it a desirable place for commuters and young professionals, whilst amenities such as a great restaurant, pub, and gym scene are also helping.
Those who are carefully managing a budget can also benefit from rent prices in the Millennium Quarter which begin at around £600pcm for a spacious one bedroom apartment.
Apartments come with property service charges. Need to know what those are? We’ve got you covered.
Radcliffe
Previously a heartland of the North’s industrial boom, Radcliffe has undergone a transformation from its previous paper-mill deluged history.
Spacious rows of great value for money Victorian terraces and new estates are making the area more affordable, and subsequently more attractive, for younger families, which has recently seen it coined an area property investors should watch.
Transport links including a reliable bus network and easy links to the M60 and motorway networks are also making it desirable for commuters.
The average four-bedroom rent price here comes in at under £1,001 pcm, so it’s easy to see why estate agents in the area are seeing houses snapped up. In the last year, properties in Radcliffe had an overall average price of £225,272. (Correct at time of writing)
Pomona Island
Perched on the banks of the River Irwell, Pomona Island is an emerging district located between Salford Quays and Manchester city centre, just a short distance from Old Trafford. The island has a rich history, having once served as a Victorian entertainment venue and later as part of the historic docklands of the Manchester Ship Canal.
Today, Pomona Island is owned by Peel Holdings, one of the largest developers in the North West, known for significant projects such as MediaCityUK and Liverpool Waters. Peel’s ambitious £1 billion regeneration plan for Pomona Island is transforming it into a vibrant mixed-use development spanning 25 acres.
This project includes residential, office, leisure, and retail spaces, positioning Pomona Island as one of Manchester’s most promising up-and-coming neighbourhoods. The development offers unique waterfront living that promotes wellness and a high quality of life for residents, while enhancing the property landscape of Greater Manchester.
The average sold price for a property in Pomona Strand in the last 12 months is £190,474.
Average House Prices in Manchester City Centre
Manchester City Centre has become the UK’s most expensive for office space outside of London, but what can we expect to see in terms of property prices?
The return on average house and apartment prices in Manchester remains high with a limited supply and increased demand. Particularly notable is that whilst many suburbs outside of the city centre have seen drops in their prices, the city centre has seen some large increases.
This could mean that investors are starting to think about investment outside of the city centre, or that prices in the suburbs will drop if their decreased demand continues.
Wherever you decide to invest, whether it be in the city centre or a neighbouring suburb, make sure you’re informed with the latest property data.
The average house price in the last year for properties sold in Manchester Town Centre is £248,956, but of course, this will vary depending on what property types you are looking at.
Looking For Expert Block Management Services in Manchester?
There are many reasons to own rental property in Manchester, so if you’re looking to invest today, we can help. The last few years have seen numerous residential developments in Greater Manchester, so whether it’s the stunning apartments, job opportunities or sought-after areas you’re moving for, you’re sure to find somewhere perfect for you.
At Scanlans Property Management we have years of experience supplying property owners and residents within Manchester with residential block management support and services. If you are looking for help with any aspect of your residential block management, including administration, site visits and building surveying services, contact us today.
For more information about our services, or to get a quote, contact us today.
Best Areas to Rent in Manchester FAQs
What makes Manchester an attractive place to live?
Manchester is the second-largest city in the UK, offering a vibrant lifestyle with numerous opportunities for work, leisure, and entertainment. The city is known for its rich history, diverse districts, and modern amenities, making it a popular choice for individuals and families alike.
What are some of the best areas to rent in Manchester?
Several areas in Manchester are highly recommended for renting. Sale is known for its Victorian houses and excellent schools. Castlefield offers a tranquil setting with canal walks and unique loft conversions. The Northern Quarter is popular for its Victorian terraced houses and modern lofts, appealing to both young professionals and families. Tameside is ideal for families due to its top-rated schools and green spaces. Wigan, noted for its affordability, provides a variety of rental options from flats to period houses.
What is the average house price in Manchester City Centre?
In the last year, the average house price for properties sold in Manchester City Centre was £248,956. Prices in the city centre have seen significant increases due to high demand and limited supply.
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