There are certain areas of Greater Manchester that just ooze wealth, and this particular village is one of them. With its leafy avenues, gigantic mansions and celebrity residents, Bowdon in Trafford is one of the region's most affluent areas.
A quick glance at the price of properties in Bowdon show that only the ultra rich could afford to live here, which is why it has become a hotspot for entrepreneurs, footballers and soap stars alike. The average house price stands at a staggering £746,621, making it Greater Manchester's most expensive place to live.
Unless you have a six-figure salary, buying a property in the esteemed village is simply unaffordable. Houses cost more than triple the region's average house price of £240,951 - and there are no signs of the Trafford suburb's property market slowing down any time soon.
READ MORE:
House prices in the village have rocketed by almost £70,000 since December 2021 alone - which is the biggest house price growth across the region.
Unsurprisingly, the majority of sales in Bowdon over the last year were detached properties, selling for a whopping price of £1,129,500 on average. But even if you're looking to buy a flat in the area, that will set you back £463,700, with terraced homes also fetching £489,000.
This is no concern for its residents though, with renowned neighbours including Coronation Street stars Manchester United legends and Real Housewife of Cheshire stars.
"Most buyers in this location have six figure salaries and can afford such properties," says Jennifer Jameson, managing director of independent estate agents Jameson and Partners based in nearby Altrincham.
"Many of our clients are entrepreneurs; shareholders in family run businesses; medics; lawyers and those with large property portfolios, there are also some footballers and celebrities.
"One of the main reasons for the price increase seen is the small number of family homes becoming available when compared to the growing demand for homes in this location. The level of competition to secure a home has driven up prices and continues to do so."
But the question poses as to why the area has become so popular - and so extortionately priced - despite having no cafés or shops.
"The Bowdon area offers easy access to the centre of Altrincham, with the popular Altrincham Market, an array of small independent shops, trendy coffee shops, bars, restaurants and other amenities, such as the metro link and train station," says Jennifer.
"The area is well connected offering easy access to the M56 and M60; it is just 10 minutes’ drive from Manchester Airport and 25 minutes on the metro to Manchester City Centre.
"In addition to this, Bowdon offers lots of green space which has become increasingly desirable following the recent Covid lockdowns. We have The Devisdale; Dunham Massey and it is a short drive to the low peaks or North Wales."
Jennifer says that young families have accumulated more income during the pandemic which would normally be spent on holidays and entertainment, and now wish to invest in larger homes for their families.
"We have seen a rapid gentrification in the Bowdon area with those who have retired and moved away from the school catchments or downsized to local apartments selling to wealthy young families," she said.
"The local schools are a large factor in most buying decisions, the schools achieve amongst the best results in the country and parents who can afford to live within walking distance of such schools, feel they are offering their children the best opportunity to obtain a good education."
Bowdon is largely made up of beautiful period properties, with many dating back to the 1840s when large factory owners and merchants were building villas and mansions in this location.
Estate agents say that the most popular homes for sale in Bowdon are large detached family homes, which typically sell within two weeks of going on the market.
Ed Morris, associate in the residential sales team at Savills added: "Bowdon is a charming, historic area with a church, public house and ease of access to some stunning walks. Additionally, it offers ease of access to the many amenities of fashionable Hale village and the town of Altrincham with their impressive range of restaurants, bistros and bars, specialist shops and supermarkets.
"Lower stock levels and rising demand have been the main factors behind the recent price rises in Bowdon with many buyers looking to move away from the larger cities to more suburban living.
"Bowdon has a fantastic reputation with buyers both locally and nationally. Suburban living is attractive to buyers and this is a big part of Bowdon’s appeal. We have seen continuous interest from a wide range of people looking to live in Bowdon and across Altrincham over recent years."
Sign up to our free weekly property newsletter by clicking here
