I remember when I first started selling houses in Bury back in 1982. People thought I was mad. “Why would anyone want to move to Bury when they could live in Manchester?” they’d ask. Well, 40 years later, I’m having the last laugh. Bury has become one of the best places to buy property in Greater Manchester, and I’ve watched it happen right before my eyes.
How It All Started
Back in the early eighties, Bury was just another mill town trying to figure out what to do with itself. The cotton industry was finished, unemployment was high, and honestly, it wasn’t the most exciting place to be. But I saw something others didn’t. The bones of a great town were already there – good transport links, decent schools, and that community spirit you just can’t manufacture.
My first office was a tiny place on Market Street. As one of the few Estate Agents Bury had back then, I’d spend hours walking around different neighborhoods, getting to know the streets, the people, the history. That’s something you can’t learn from a computer screen or a training course. You have to live it.
The big change came with the Metrolink in the nineties. Suddenly, you could get from Bury to Manchester city center in half an hour. Property prices jumped almost overnight. I remember thinking, “This is it – this is when everything changes.” And I was right.
Why People Keep Coming Here
Over the years, I’ve sold houses to all sorts of people. Young couples buying their first place, families moving out of Manchester for more space, investors looking for good rental returns. The reasons they choose Bury might surprise you.
Money Goes Further This one’s obvious, but it’s still the biggest draw. Last month, I had a couple from Didsbury looking at a £350,000 budget. In their area, that would get them a small two-bed terrace. In Bury, they bought a gorgeous four-bedroom Victorian house with a big garden and original features. They couldn’t believe the difference.
Schools Actually Matter Here Parents do their homework these days. They research Ofsted reports, exam results, and the works. Bury consistently delivers on education. We’ve got excellent primary schools, good secondaries, and yes, we still have grammar schools. Parents love that.
It Still Feels Like Home This might sound cheesy, but Bury hasn’t lost its soul. The market’s still there every Wednesday and Saturday. The pubs still serve proper food. People still chat to their neighbors. You don’t get that everywhere these days.
The Numbers Game
Let me tell you something that might shock you. In 1982, a nice family house in Ramsbottom cost about £25,000. Today, that same house would sell for around £280,000. That’s more than ten times the original price.
But here’s the thing – it’s still good value. Compare that to similar properties in Altrincham or Wilmslow, and Bury looks like a bargain. I’ve had clients who’ve moved here from London absolutely amazed at what their money can buy.
The rental market is strong too. A three-bedroom house that costs £250,000 to buy will rent for about £1,000 a month. That’s a decent return for investors, especially when you factor in the capital growth we’ve seen.
Where the Action Is
Not every part of Bury is the same. After four decades, I know exactly where the smart money’s going.
Ramsbottom – This place has gone completely mad in the best possible way. It’s got everything – the railway, independent shops, decent restaurants, and it’s still got that village feel. Properties here are flying off the market.
Prestwich – Young professionals love it here. Good transport links, trendy bars and restaurants, and it’s got a bit of an edge to it. I’m seeing lots of buyers in their twenties and thirties choosing Prestwich over places like Chorlton.
Whitefield – Families with kids gravitate here. Good schools, parks, and excellent transport connections. Properties don’t hang around long.
Radcliffe – Still the best value for money in the area. Perfect for first-time buyers who want space but can’t stretch to Ramsbottom prices.
Transport Changed Everything
The Metrolink was huge, but it’s not just about getting to Manchester anymore. The M60 and M66 mean you can be at the airport in 45 minutes or in the Lake District in an hour and a half. That’s proper quality of life stuff.
I’ve noticed something interesting over the years. Properties within walking distance of tram stops always sell for more money. Always. It’s like having a premium location marker. Buyers will pay extra for that convenience.
What Today’s Buyers Want
Buyer expectations have changed massively since I started. In the eighties, people just wanted a roof over their heads. Now they’ve got proper wish lists.
Working from Home Since Covid, everyone needs office space. Properties with a spare bedroom or even a decent-sized landing that could work as a home office are gold dust. I’ve seen buyers reject perfectly good houses because there’s nowhere to put a desk.
Energy Bills With gas and electric prices going mental, buyers are really focusing on energy efficiency. Old houses with single glazing and no insulation are getting harder to shift. Smart sellers are getting their EPC ratings sorted before they put their houses on the market.
Parking Two cars per family is normal now. Properties without off-road parking struggle to reach full market value. I always tell sellers – if you can create a parking space, do it. It’ll add more value than a new kitchen.
Gardens Everyone wants outdoor space now. Doesn’t matter if it’s just a small patio – people want somewhere to sit outside. Properties without any outdoor space are a tough sell.
Investment Opportunities
I get asked about buy-to-let properties all the time. Bury’s got some excellent opportunities if you know what you’re looking for.
The rental market is strong, especially for family homes near good schools. I’ve got landlords who’ve been buying properties here for years because the yields are consistent and the tenant demand never really drops.
The key is location. Properties near transport links, schools, and local amenities always rent well. Avoid anywhere that needs major work unless you’re prepared to spend serious money bringing it up to rental standards.
Riding the Ups and Downs
It hasn’t all been plain sailing. The 2008 crash was brutal – property prices dropped by about 15% and took three years to recover. Brexit created uncertainty too, with buyers and sellers sitting on their hands waiting to see what would happen.
But you know what? Bury bounced back every time. The fundamentals are just too strong. Good transport, decent schools, reasonable prices – these things don’t go out of fashion.
During the tough times, I learned that communication is everything. Keeping buyers and sellers informed, managing expectations, being honest about market conditions – that’s what gets you through the rough patches.
Crystal Ball Gazing
People always ask me what I think will happen next. After 40 years, I’ve learned not to make bold predictions, but I can see some clear trends.
Manchester keeps growing, and that’s good news for everywhere within commuting distance. More jobs, more people, more demand for housing. Bury’s perfectly positioned to benefit from that growth.
The town center’s getting investment too. New shops, restaurants, leisure facilities – all that stuff makes an area more attractive to live in. Property values usually follow.
One thing I’m certain about – green spaces are becoming more valuable. Bury’s got loads of parks, plus we’re right next to proper countryside. As people prioritize quality of life over pure convenience, that’s a massive advantage.
Why Local Knowledge Matters
Here’s something that winds me up – people trying to buy or sell property without using local agents. You wouldn’t ask a London estate agent to sell your house in Edinburgh, would you? So why would you use someone who doesn’t know Bury inside out?
I know which streets flood, which ones have parking issues, where the best schools are, which properties have potential problems. That knowledge comes from decades of walking these streets, talking to local people, watching the market evolve.
When I’m valuing a property, I’m not just looking at recent sales data. I’m thinking about the history of that street, what developments might affect it, what type of buyer would be interested. You can’t get that from a computer algorithm.
Good Estate Agents Bury professionals don’t just process transactions – we provide insight, advice, and local expertise that can save buyers thousands and help sellers achieve the best possible price.
Final Thoughts
Forty years ago, if someone had told me that Bury would become one of Greater Manchester’s most desirable places to live, I’d have probably laughed. But that’s exactly what’s happened.
The town managed to modernize without losing its character. It’s attracted new residents without pricing out locals entirely. It’s improved dramatically while keeping what made it special in the first place.
For anyone thinking about buying here, my advice is simple – don’t wait too long. Good properties in desirable areas don’t hang around, and prices aren’t going backwards anytime soon.
For sellers, presentation matters more than ever. First impressions count, online photos are crucial, and getting the price right from day one is essential.
After four decades in this business, I still love what I do. Every sale has a story, every buyer has dreams, every seller has memories. Being part of that process, helping people make one of the biggest decisions of their lives – that never gets old.
Bury’s property market isn’t just thriving – it’s got a bright future ahead of it. And after 40 years of watching this town evolve, I couldn’t be more confident about that.
FAQs on Estate Agents Bury
Q: Is Bury really cheaper than other areas in Greater Manchester?
A: Absolutely. I see this every single day. A £300,000 budget in areas like Altrincham or Wilmslow might get you a small two-bedroom house. In Bury, that same money buys you a proper family home with three or four bedrooms, a garden, and often a driveway. The difference is massive. I had a client last year who moved from Chorlton – their mortgage payments dropped by £400 a month for a bigger house. That’s real money in people’s pockets.
Q: How long does it actually take to get to Manchester from Bury?
A: From most parts of Bury, you’re looking at 25-35 minutes to Manchester city center on the Metrolink. By car, it depends on traffic, but usually 30-45 minutes. The M66 and M60 connections are pretty good once you know your way around. I’ve got clients who commute daily and they say it’s much easier than people think. Plus, you’re traveling against the main traffic flow, so it’s often quicker than driving between different parts of Manchester.
Q: Which areas of Bury are best for families with young children?
A: Whitefield’s my go-to recommendation for families. Brilliant primary schools, parks everywhere, and you’ve got that community feel where kids can still play out safely. Prestwich is excellent too, especially if you want good secondary schools nearby. Ramsbottom lovely but pricier – though if your budget stretches that far, the schools are outstanding. I always tell parents to drive around the areas during school run times to get a feel for what it’s really like.
Q: Are property prices in Bury still going up?
A: Yeah, they are, but not at the crazy rates we saw during Covid. Right now, we’re seeing steady growth of about 5-8% per year, which is healthy and sustainable. Some areas like Ramsbottom are growing faster because demand is so high. The thing is, Bury’s still playing catch-up with other Greater Manchester areas, so there’s room for growth. I don’t see prices dropping anytime soon – there’s just too much demand and not enough houses.
Q: Is it worth buying in Bury as an investment property?
A: For buy-to-let, Bury’s solid gold. You get decent rental yields – usually around 5-6% – and good capital growth over time. The rental market is strong because of all the professionals commuting to Manchester. I’ve got landlords who’ve been buying here for years because tenants stay longer and look after the properties better than in some other areas. Just make sure you buy near transport links and good schools – that’s where the demand always is.
