MOSSLEY has found itself at the top of a national chart once again.
For there is no ‘underrated’ place cheaper in the country to buy a home.
The Tameside town ranks 10th in a list of the UK’s ‘underrated property hotspots’ after a report by cash house buyer Sell House Fast.
And neighbouring Stalybridge sits just outside the top 10 following analysis of affordability, commuting convenience, crime rates, school ratings, quality of life and local amenities.
The firm scoured forums to select six ‘underrated’ commuter towns for each of England’s five most populated cities – London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Sheffield.
Each was then given a normalised score out of 10 after being ranked based on criteria including the average commute time to that city’s centre by car and train, average house price, crime risk score, the number of good or outstanding schools within five miles, median annual pay and coffee shops, bars, pubs and restaurants within five miles.
Based on that, Mossley – where the average house price is £200,244 – scored highest in Tameside with an overall score of 5.39. Stalybridge’s 5.35 puts it 12th.
And Jack Malnick, managing director of Sell House Fast, believes that affordability boosts their attraction.
He said: “Mossley and Stalybridge both stand out as two of the most affordable towns in our study, with average house prices just over £200,000.
“Both offer remarkable value, especially for those looking to stay within reach of Manchester.
“They are particularly attractive options for first-time buyers or budget-conscious movers who don’t want to compromise on connectivity, boasting a fast 12-17 minute train into the city centre.
“While they may not have the same volume of amenities or schools as some of the higher-ranking towns, their affordability opens the door for those who might otherwise be priced out of Greater Manchester.
“As demand continues to spread beyond the city, Mossley and Stalybridge offer an exciting opportunity for buyers looking to get in early in an up-and-coming area.”