Goodbye London, hello Manchester

We weren’t surprised last week when a report highlighted how many Londoners were moving out of the capital and heading north for Manchester. Research from Reach PLC’s Data Unit revealed that a huge 10,200 people left London to relocate to Greater Manchester.

The majority of people chose Salford as the area to call home, with others settling in Stockport and Rochdale. It’s a no brainer really when you compare the cost of living in Manchester to London. Our home city allows you to have a whole city centre apartment, compared with a tiny room share that you’re more likely to find down south. Not to mention a significant reduction in the cost of living.  

In recent years Manchester used to lose a fair number of people to London, due to graduates thinking that there were better job opportunities in London.

How the tables have turned.

Now, graduates are starting to realise that you don’t have to be in London to build your career. There are just as many job opportunities right here in Manchester.

You only have to look at the likes of MediaCityUK, Salford’s creative hub and home to BBC and ITV studios. The BBC moved entire departments to their new facility at MediaCityUK, and the hub alone continues to attract talent from all over the UK. In fact, MediaCityUK is home to around 250 businesses employing a huge 7,000 people. There’s little surprise that Phase II is underway with success like this.

Not only are Londoners finding that rent prices are incredibly lower up north, but so are house prices. It’s become the norm for young couples to relocate from the capital to cities like Manchester when they are looking to settle down and possibly start a family. And who can blame them when an average house in the North-West costs £155,868 compared to the cost of a London home at a ridiculous £484,584!

London is certainly a tough nut to crack if you’re attempting to get onto the housing ladder.

For those looking for career prospects matched with a great standard living and affordable property prices, it’s clear that the north is where you need to be. And Manchester is certainly always a winner. With great transport connections, an insane nightlife with numerous bars, restaurants and cafes on your doorstep, not to mention new apartment blocks popping up wherever you look, Manchester is probably one of the friendliest and best places you could choose to live. 

If you’re looking to relocate to Manchester, or maybe you’re just looking for a new property to rent in Manchester, have a look at the current properties we’ve got available. Or, alternatively you could give a member of our team a call on 0161 637 8336, and we can help you find your perfect property.