Good morning.

A mate of mine is on the hunt for an investment property and threw me a question:

"I want to invest in Manchester, but my budget’s slightly below what the market’s asking. How can I still get in?"

Now, Manchester’s a cracking place to invest — I actually raved about it in the May edition, listing all the reasons it’s a hotspot. But I totally got where he was coming from.

See, while Manchester isn’t quite London (thankfully, for your wallet), the average property price is still around £230,967… which can feel like a mountain if you're a first-time buyer or not sitting on a cash pile.

But here’s the thing — there is a way in.

I shared a location tip with my friend, and I’m going to include it in this week’s edition too, because it’s a gem.

You can still ride the Manchester growth wave without paying top-shelf Manchester prices.

This week, I stumbled on a city that's flying just under the radar — but maybe not for long...

Let’s dive in.

The Data Snapshot: Why This Area?

1. 👀 Area: Rochdale

2. 📈 Population Growth: +7.5% in the past 5 years

3. 💼 Low Unemployment: 3.8% (vs national avg. 4.2%)

4. 🚆 Transport: 15 minutes to Manchester, with planned services to London via Victoria station.

5. 🏠 Home Ownership: North West average at 54%

6. 💰 Affordability: Avg. price £147,597

7. 🏗️ New Developments: Government-backed regeneration and housing schemes transforming the area.
   

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How to Ride the Manchester Boom Without Paying Manchester Prices

What does all this mean for investors? 🤔

Rochdale, nestled in Greater Manchester, has seen its population grow by 7.5% over the last five years — that’s well above the UK average.

People are clearly catching on… but not everyone just yet.

One juicy bit of news: there's a planned direct rail service from Rochdale to Manchester and London via Victoria in the next couple of years.

That’s right — faster commutes, better connections, and suddenly the capital doesn’t feel so far away (or expensive!).

Even now, Rochdale to Manchester City Centre is just 15 minutes by train — barely enough time to finish a coffee.

Oh, and did I mention the £20 million being pumped into the area? New market, new homes, and potentially new returns for early investors who get in before it gets too shiny.

Rochdale might just be Greater Manchester’s best-kept secret… but maybe not for long.

Top Property Picks This Week

Whitworth Road, Rochdale

• Price: £100,000

• Beds/Baths: 2 bed, 1 bath

• Expected Monthly Income: £625 (estimated)

• Expected Monthly Expenses: £362.50 (includes mortgage and £100 for insurance/maintenance)

• Expected Monthly Cash Flow: £262.50

• Expected Cash-on-Cash Return: 12.6%

Cook Street, Rochdale, OL16 2LZ

• Price: £125,000

• Beds/Baths: 2 bed, 1 bath

• Expected Monthly Income: £875

• Expected Monthly Expenses: £378

• Expected Monthly Cash Flow: £497

• Expected Cash-on-Cash Return: 19.07%

Blenheim Street, Meanwood, Rochdale OL12

• Price: £145,000

• Beds/Baths: 2 bed, 1 bath

• Expected Monthly Income: £875

• Expected Monthly Expenses: £417

• Expected Monthly Cash Flow: £458

• Expected Cash-on-Cash Return: 14.8%

BOTTOM LINE

Rochdale, nestled within Greater Manchester, is quickly becoming a hotspot for switched-on investors.

What really catches the eye is how transport connections are evolving—there’s even talk of a potential link between Manchester and London via Victoria, which could be a game changer.

And let’s not overlook the fact that it’s just a short 15-minute train ride into Manchester City Centre.

Rochdale brings a lot to the table: affordability, excellent connectivity, and a wave of regeneration—all combining to offer strong prospects for both capital growth and solid rental returns.

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Tip Of The Week

“Look for the ‘Regeneration Sandwich’”
When an area is getting squeezed between two already-developed spots, it's often next in line for uplift — and you can buy early.