Credit: The Bolton News
Bolton’s Rise: Why Detached Houses Are Selling More than in the South
Cardwells Estate Agents has observed a notable trend in the property market in recent years, particularly regarding detached houses in Bolton. Surprisingly, while many areas in the South have experienced stagnant or declining sales of detached properties, Bolton has seen a significant surge in demand. According to research conducted by Open Property Group, the number of detached houses sold annually in Northern cities, including Bolton, surpasses those in the South by a considerable margin. The research revealed that Bolton alone sold a remarkable 800 detached houses by the end of 2021, a substantial increase from the 410 sold in 2011. This surge contrasts starkly with the situation in the South, exemplified by cities like Oxford, where detached house sales have dwindled, with only 154 sold in 2021 compared to 155 in 2011. The driving force behind this trend appears to be the ongoing shift of population from the South to the North. Fueled by the desire for more affordable housing and spacious living areas, exacerbated by the effects of the pandemic, more individuals and families are opting to relocate to Northern regions. Jason Harris-Cohen, Managing Director of Open Property Group, remarked on Bolton’s burgeoning property market: “Both house and rental prices in Bolton continue to climb due to high demand outweighing available properties. This trend is not exclusive to Bolton but is also evident in neighbouring Greater Manchester towns.” The allure of Bolton lies not only in its affordability but also in its proximity to Manchester, offering residents access to a wider range of amenities and employment opportunities. Harris-Cohen further noted that the increased demand for detached properties in Bolton reflects a broader trend across the North, where housing stock appears to be more plentiful compared to the South.