Manchester First Time Buyers Make Beeline for Hyde

Hyde is fast becoming one of the most popular areas for first-time buyers in Greater Manchester, according to a new homes developer, after nearly half its new homes in the town were snapped up people starting out on the property ladder.

North West-based housebuilder Wain Homes only launched its Carding Place development on Cartwright Street in Spring 2023 and has seen 25 of the 58 homes sold to date going to first timers.

And the interest shows no sign of letting up, with 11 of the most recent 14 homes sold over the past two months going to those buying their first homes.

Andrew Blundell is regional sales director for Wain Homes. He said: “First time buyers have been flocking to Carding Place in Hyde for a number of reasons. 

“We know from experience how attractive Tameside is for younger people, as they can get excellent value and more space for their money compared with more central areas of Manchester, yet still enjoy excellent public transport links into the city centre, both for work and leisure.

“We noticed the appeal of the area at our previous development, Crown Point, in nearby Denton, but Carding Place has really taken this to the next level.

“It also shows how first-time buyers have increasing confidence that interest rates are stabilising, meaning more affordable mortgage availability.

“We are creating a genuinely mixed, sustainable new community here in Hyde, where around half of the new residents are younger people starting off on the ladder. It boosts the local economy, is good for the town and creates a vibrant place to live and start a family.”

Large scale investment in key employment sites is another indicator of the property industry’s confidence in Tameside.

Andrew added: “Further retail development is planned for Ashton town centre to complement Ikea’s investment and the growing number of town centre and waterside residential developments across Tameside is providing first time buyers with affordable, high quality, energy efficient new homes, all within easy reach of the city.

“Hyde really is becoming the town of choice for Greater Manchester people to begin their property journeys.”

Jodie and her partner Justin bought their first home at Carding Place.

Jodie said: “Carding Place is just around the corner from where we were living and we wanted to stay in Hyde, as it is convenient for my job in Ashton-under-Lyne and for Justin who travels frequently into Manchester city centre.

“We like the fact a new home is fresh and nothing has previously been used so we had decided to begin our property search looking for new build homes.

“When we saw the floorplans for the three-storey Jenner we loved the idea of having a huge bedroom suite on the top floor.

“And being able to buy our new home with just a 5% deposit was the icing on the cake and made our first home purchase achievable.”

Bruno Menezes and his wife Elma love the vibrant buzz of Manchester city centre but when they decided time was right to buy their first home they looked at locations that were accessible but gave them much more for their money.

Bruno explained: “We know the city centre well but it is so expensive and we wanted a house with a garden, not an apartment, so started exploring. We had previously looked at Hyde so knew the train station would get us into and out of the city quickly and found Wain Homes’ Carding Place development.

“The properties were very affordable for the quality and specification they offered and we are half way between the city and the Peak District which is perfect.”

The couple chose the Brunswick house type, a double fronted semi-detached property that crucially offered three bedrooms. With Bruno working from home as a technology specialist for an online marketplace the third bedroom is now fitted out as a comfortable office.

Bruno said: “The whole buying process went very smoothly and quickly and we were kept informed all the way by the sales team which is in contrast to some of our friends’ experiences with other housebuilders. It was fantastic to move in to our own place.”

Ten months on, Elma has just moved to a job in Hyde which makes the location even more perfect.

Elma said: “We always wanted to own our own home. It is a great feeling and gives you real peace of mind and a sense of freedom knowing that you are investing in something you will one day own. We can decorate and add things without asking the landlord and it just feels very special.”

Originally from Brazil, the couple are now firmly settled in Manchester and Bruno said: “We are really proud to have bought our first house and would not hesitate in buying another Wain home in the future.”