jonesmark

Closer to 15.

Hello all, I've been a very occasional lurker on this site for a while but this is my first post, so please be gentle. I'm looking for some advice. My situation: I bought a city centre flat (2 bed with parking) some time (~10-15 years) ago, have really enjoyed it, but decided I need to move this year due to (i) needing more space (ii) wanting an outside space e.g. garden or balcony (iii) wanting to buy something more expensive before I get too old to be able to get a mortgage. I put my flat on the market at the start of the year, have just accepted an offer that was good (right price, cash buyer) I haven't seen a new property that grabs me yet, nor have I locked down my search to 1 or 2 areas, although I'm starting to get a feel for it. I'm looking at either buying: (1) Another city centre flat, a 3 bed or 2 bed with enough room to have a small office area, with parking and a balcony. I'd prefer a conversion with original features (beams, exposed brickwork etc.). In terms of location, I would prefer gay village running north up to Spinningfields. I don't really want north of the river in Salford, or behind Piccadilly station, or outside the Mancunion way. or (2) An old cottage-type character/ quirky property somewhere on the outskirts of Manchester. Again, needs 3 bedrooms or 2 with enough room for a study area, needs parking. Would like to be in a location with a village type atmosphere. Needs to be commutable into the city centre i.e. close to a train station and easy to drive in. Budget is up to £450k. I don't want to rush buying, I would rather take my time and get it right, so I'm happy to rent for 6 months if I need to. Any advice from people out there who know Manchester, in terms of what locations to look at, what would make (or not make) a good investment, and any things I should watch out for ? 3-bed city centre flats are a bit of a rarity it seems. I saw a nice penthouse in Leftbank at £450k, but didn't have balconies and the service charge was a shocker, £350 per month ! I've had a look at Lymm, Alderly Edge, Marple Bridge and Hebden Bridge so far: Marple Bridge seems the best out of those for me. Thanks in advance for any advice and pointers.