The ECHO has taken a look at a number of Merseyside areas that could be a great choice for those looking to buy their first property.
Choosing your first home is a momentous decision and there are a lot of things to think about beyond the bricks and mortar. The ECHO has assessed a number of areas across Merseyside on multiple factors; affordability, accessibility, amenities, and the potential to make returns on your property.
All the places listed boast house prices well under the Merseyside average for the last 12 months, which was £212,036 according to Rightmove. Here are the five areas we think would make a great choice for those looking to get on the ladder:
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Wavertree
Wavertree arguably has it all. It's a melting pot of students and locals that's just a few minutes' drive from the city centre.
The area's beating heart is Smithdown Road, a bustling stretch full of independent businesses and shops, bars, and restaurants. As well as the city centre being within easy reach, Wavertree Technology Park connects to Manchester and beyond, while the M62 is also a ten minute drive away.
When it comes to green spaces, it has a state of the art sports park and is near the likes of Sefton and Greenbank Park.
Over the last year, houses in Wavertree sold for an average prices of £203,910, 6% higher than the previous 12 months and a huge 21% up on the 2019 peak. Terraced homes were a little cheaper, going for £180,650, while flats fetched £118,720.
Orrell Park
Orrell Park is a quiet area to the north of Liverpool but boasts a handy train station and accessibility to Dunnings Bridge Road, bringing the city centre within easy reach. When it comes to amenities, Orrell Park is on the doorstep of Walton Vale, home to a number of shops, new independent bars and near a clutch of upcoming restaurants such as Noso and Olive.
Dominated by terraces, Orrell Park homes sold for an overall average of £147,293 in the last year, 4% higher that the previous 12 months, while a terrace will set you back on average £126,541.
Dingle
Dingle trumps most areas when it comes to community spirit. Its terraced streets are nestled between the Baltic Triangle and Aigburth and were immortalised in Carla Lane's BBC sitcom Bread. Residents there have even told the ECHO how they've had house hunters knocking at their door to see if they're selling up.
Dingle's growing popularity is reflected in the average price of £161,510, 4% higher than last year and 18% up on the 2020 peak. The majority of properties sold were terraced, while semi-detached houses and flats fetched £130,357 and £146,795 respectively.
Wallasey
On the other side of the river Is Wallasey. As well as being a stone's throw from the Mersey tunnels, Wallasey residents also have the New Brighton promenade and wider coastline to enjoy.
Over the last 12 months the average overall house price there was £178,219, 3% higher that the last year and a 16% jump on 2020, meaning an investment in Wallasey could be a smart move.
Prescot
Prescot is on the up; it's high street is now home to a number of quaint shops and the Shakespeare North Playhouse launched on Prospero Place in 2022 following a multimillion-pound investment.
The area's station connects to Lime Street and of course there is the East Prescot and Prescot roads which connect the east of Liverpool to the city centre over Queens Drive. Prescot is also on the banks of the M57.
Properties in Prescot had an overall average price of £184,784 over the last year. While prices were largely the same as the previous 12 months, they have grown 3% on the 2019 peak.
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