Credit: Manchester Evening News
Blackburn with Darwen: The UK’s Latest Property Hotspot
Cardwells Estate Agents, a trusted name in property sales and lettings across Bolton and Bury, has highlighted Blackburn with Darwen as the UK’s latest property hotspot. Over the past year, this Lancashire borough has experienced a remarkable 13.3% increase in house prices—outpacing all other areas in the country.
Despite this surge, Blackburn with Darwen remains one of the most affordable places to buy a home, with an average price of just £159,000. This affordability, combined with strong transport links and local investment, has driven demand from buyers looking for better value homes within commuting distance of Manchester, Bolton, and Preston.
Andrew Cardwell, Managing Director of Cardwells Estate Agents, attributes the rapid rise in house prices to a combination of factors. He explains: “The 13 percent rise in house prices shows just how well the area has been performing over the last twelve months. The average cost of homes in the neighbouring towns of Bolton and Bury was notably higher a year ago—£197,000 in Bolton and £239,000 in Bury. This suggests that Blackburn with Darwen had strong potential for growth, which we’ve now seen materialise.”
Why House Prices Are Rising in This Affordable North West Borough
One of the key reasons for the area’s affordability is its large stock of traditional terraced homes, a legacy of its industrial past. According to Rightmove, terraced properties made up the majority of sales in the area last year, averaging £123,829. Andrew explains: “In Blackburn with Darwen, there is a significant stock of traditional terraced properties that align with the historical textile manufacturing industry. These homes tend to be more affordable, which naturally impacts the average property value in the area.”
Beyond affordability, demand has surged due to excellent transport links and ongoing regeneration. “We’ve seen a notable increase in demand from commuters who recognise the value for money in Blackburn with Darwen. The superb motorway access and strong rail connections make it an attractive option for those working in Manchester, Bolton, and Preston,” Andrew says.
Additionally, the borough has benefitted from major investment in regeneration projects, new housing developments, and employment opportunities in sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, and digital industries. “More job opportunities mean greater demand for housing,” Andrew notes. “New-build detached homes have been particularly popular, contributing to the rising average property values.”
First-time buyers and landlords alike are also drawn to the area. “For first-time buyers, Blackburn with Darwen offers a fantastic opportunity to get onto the property ladder at a reasonable price. For landlords, the combination of relatively low purchase prices and increasing rental demand ensures strong returns.”
Andrew concludes: “Blackburn with Darwen boasts stunning countryside, excellent schools, a thriving town centre, and welcoming communities. It’s no surprise that the market here is thriving, and we expect demand to remain strong in the coming years.”
