If you’re about to take your first step into the property market – whether as an investor or a first-time buyer – you have likely encountered the question of where to buy. England is an expansive country with many options for someone at the start of their property journey. But for many, Cheshire may be the perfect starting point.
About Cheshire
Cheshire is a largely rural county in the North West of England, bounded by the city of Manchester to the north and the city of Liverpool to the west. The county comprises a number of towns and villages, connected by farmland and country lanes; its proximity to Manchester has made it a particularly popular place for workers and families to settle, offering space and comfort as well as ease of commute.
Cheshire has recently become a highly desirable place to live for more than one reason, though. It has also attracted high-profile residents in world-class football players and managers, with the towns of Hale and Bowdon now home to England players Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw.
The Cheshire Property Market
It is easy to see the attraction of Cheshire to the rich and famous, as proximity to urban centres is buoyed by growing, gentrified suburban hubs and tracts of beautiful countryside. There are many large, stately homes available in the various villages and hamlets stippling the county, with many homes ripe for redevelopment.
The main draw to Cheshire, though, may well be the price of the properties themselves. While large properties on the various millionaires’ rows fetch tantalising seven-figure sums, the average property price is in fact below the national average; the average home in Cheshire sells for £266,000, against a national average of £286,000.
Options for Cheshire Properties
Cheshire, then, seems a golden opportunity to ascend a rung on the property ladder, or to start on it altogether. Relatively inexpensive properties in sought-after spaces will accrue value naturally – but what might you do with a Cheshire property?
Renovate
The first step in any property purchase should be to renovate – whether to address any infrastructural issues, or simply to give it a new lease of life. For older properties, it may be necessary to install roof insulation to increase its energy efficiency rating; this is particularly important if you have intentions to let the property.
Many Cheshire properties on the market are former family homes that have been occupied for generations. As such, many older-build homes on the market are dated in appearance as well as utility. A generous budget for redecoration should also be considered, to bring the property back into the present.
Buy to Let
Cheshire is growing in stature, and demand for rental properties remains high. Buying a property in order to rent it out can be an excellent way to guarantee income over time, and to subsidise a wider portfolio.
Live In
Cheshire is also hugely desirable as a location in which to settle down; you may decide that your investment is best realised as your personal home, and a base for a wider portfolio that reaches into either Manchester or Liverpool.
