Home to some of the UK’s wealthiest residents, South Manchester has become one of the most sought-after and prestigious areas to live in the country. The likes of Altrincham, Hale, Alderley Edge and picturesque Prestbury are awash with mega mansions and luxury converted farmhouses, attracting a wealth of top earners ranging from successful entrepreneurs to Premier League superstars, TV personalities and more.
But what is the most expensive area in Manchester? If you’re interested in purchasing a property in a rich area in Manchester, or you’re simply interested in knowing where the affluent, famous and well-to-do park their Range Rovers at the end of a busy day, you’ve arrived at the perfect place.
We’ve done our research and pulled together the 5 most expensive roads to live on in Greater Manchester, where the richest areas in Manchester are, and where the best place to live in Manchester is.
Looking for a quick answer? Check out our navigation below for more!
If you are looking for the areas with the highest house prices in Manchester City, then you have come to the right place. From Trafford to Salford, Manchester and its surrounding areas boast an incredible range of affluent areas, each full of homes the rich and famous would be pleased to purchase. Below, we take a closer look at some of Manchester's most expensive places to buy:
Situated in the borough of Trafford lies Bowdon, one of the wealthiest areas in the city of Manchester. Going through Bowdon, you'll be greeted by breathtaking multi-million-pound mansions whispering tales of affluence. The average property here clocks in at a staggering £897,758, with detached houses soaring even higher at £1,654,921.
Beyond its exclusivity, Bowdon boasts a unique allure for football fans. Manchester United's Carrington training ground lies nearby, making it a magnet for Manchester United players seeking a luxurious haven. Star striker Marcus Rashford reportedly calls a six-bedroom, £1.85 million Bowdon mansion his home, while former goalkeeper David De Gea previously graced the village with his presence. The latest addition to the club's Bowdon residents is defender Harry Maguire, who, according to the Mirror, enjoys a £4 million "dream home" there, complete with four bedrooms, a spacious balcony, a gated driveway, and a dedicated home cinema.
Beyond the city lights, Greater Manchester shelters pockets of extraordinary affluence. Among them, Bowdon, Hale, and Hale Barns reign supreme, forming a local "Golden Triangle" mirroring Cheshire's famed wealth.
Walking through Halle, you will see charming village streets lined with upscale bars and restaurants, a delightful contrast to the imposing elegance of historic mansions and sleek modern developments. Here, the average property commands a hefty £795,283, with detached houses typically fetching a cool £1,247,397. Even renowned footballers like Luke Shaw find its allure irresistible, having reportedly acquired a luxurious £2.8 million pad here. Former Manchester United star Phil Neville also called Hale home before selling his impressive £5.25 million residence to Top Gear's Freddie Flintoff in 2021.
Venturing a little further, Hale Barns beckons with an even loftier price tag. Properties here average a remarkable £832,103, with detached houses reaching an average of £937,636. This haven of extravagance attracts not just high-earners but also footballing royalty. Manchester United's newest star, Antony, reportedly took over Paul Pogba's former five-bedroom mansion after joining the club, a testament to the area's magnetic pull.
Altrincham, located in the heart of Trafford, transcends being just a "wealthy part of the region". It's a vibrant town brimming with historical charm, award-winning amenities, and a touch of exclusivity. While boasting its fair share of impressive mansions, it offers a delightful mix of old-world elegance and modern appeal.
But Altrincham isn't just about the past. Its thriving urban center offers a plethora of trendy restaurants, independent shops, and cultural experiences. It's no wonder then that Altrincham has been consistently recognised as one of the best places to live in Greater Manchester, as highlighted by its coveted spot on the Sunday Times list for five years running.
With an average house price of £517,340, Altrincham might not be the most affordable option, but its unique blend of history, charm, and contemporary living undeniably earns its premium.
Beyond the bustling city center, Salford harbours hidden gems like Roe Green, a picturesque village known for attracting affluent residents. Here, amidst the quiet charm, stand-out mansions and even the smaller properties command impressive prices. On average, properties sold for a cool £499,510 in the past year, a 10% jump from the previous year. Even terraced houses don't shy away from hefty price tags, averaging around £552,648.
The allure isn't limited to mere numbers. Roe Green offers a tranquil escape, nestled within Worsley's embrace. It's no surprise that football stars find solace here. Former Manchester United player Marouane Fellaini once called a magnificent six-bedroom mansion his home, gracing it with an indoor swimming pool, spa room, private gym, and even a personal barbershop – all within its own gated grounds.
Nestled in Stockport, Bramhall isn't just another neighbourhood – it's a haven of trendy bars, delectable restaurants, and quirky independent shops waiting to be discovered. Whether you're seeking a vibrant night out or a leisurely afternoon browsing unique finds, Bramhall offers something for everyone.
But Bramhall's charm extends beyond its modern offerings. Here, characterful detached and semi-detached houses, often older properties and countryside estates, whisper stories of a bygone era. This unique blend of history and modernity is reflected in the price tag, with the average home costing £494,819 – a 19% jump from its 2020 peak.
Even footballing legends recognise Bramhall's allure. Manchester United's George Best once called it home, and Manchester City's Phil Foden reportedly found solace in a £2.85 million mansion here with his family.
Whilst many streets in Manchester claim to be the city's 'millionaires row', a new contender for the crown has emerged in recent months. Quietly situated in Bury, Ringley Road in Whitefield has earned the local moniker of "millionaire's row" for a reason – grand residences line the three-mile stretch, most exceeding an impressive million pounds.
This former mill town is undergoing a remarkable transformation, attracting residents seeking a unique blend of old and new. While its industrial past can still be felt throughout its charming streets, Whitefield now boasts a vibrant community and modern amenities. This surge in popularity has driven property prices skyward, with the average house on Ringley Road now valued at a staggering £990,398 according to Zoopla.
But for those seeking a prestigious address with a distinct character, Whitefield offers more than just a hefty price tag. Here, amidst established neighbourhoods and leafy streets, millionaires rub shoulders with families and young professionals, creating a diverse and dynamic atmosphere.
Although there are undoubtedly many great areas in Manchester to live, the age-old debate still rages on, "Which is the best area to live in Manchester?'
Altrincham, a large market town in Trafford, Greater Manchester, may well be the answer we've been looking for, after shedding its industrial reputation and becoming a magnet for both families and first-time buyers alike. Lauded as one of the northwest's best places to live, it might command a higher price tag, but the diverse housing options and unparalleled quality of life make it a worthwhile investment.
For families, the charm extends to Timperley, a local district known for its friendly atmosphere. Beyond its historical halls and picturesque gardens, Altrincham offers a vibrant tapestry of experiences. Bustling indoor markets brim with local produce, while lively music venues cater to a wide range of musical tastes. And if convenience is key, tram access whisks you to Manchester's heart, while the nearby Trafford Centre caters to all your shopping needs.
So, while the investment might be slightly higher, Altrincham offers a unique blend of historical charm, contemporary vibrancy, and family-friendly appeal, making it a true gem in Greater Manchester's crown.
Reigning supreme, this postcode encompasses Altrincham, Hale, Hale Barns, and Timperley, boasting an average price tag of £604,920 (though prices dipped slightly in the past year).
Runner-up with an average of £559,050, this postcode shares territory with WA15 but also includes Bowdon, Broadheath, Dunham Town, and Dunham Massey. It too saw a small decrease in prices recently.
Nestled in Stockport, Bramhall, Hazel Grove, and Woodford make up this postcode with an average price of £435,860. While not immune to market fluctuations, it saw a slight increase in the past year.
This Chorlton and Firswood gem offers homes at an average of £406,660, experiencing a healthy price jump of almost 7%.
Sale and Brooklands fall under this postcode, with an average property price of £398,860, enjoying a 4% increase compared to last year.
Didsbury and Withington within this postcode see an average price of £385,490, witnessing a near 5% increase in the past year.
Cheadle, Cheadle Hulme, Gatley, and Heald Green within this postcode come with an average price tag of £378,300, experiencing a notable 6% increase.
Stockport and Four Heatons within this postcode offer relatively high affordability compared to others, with an average price of £357,090, remaining stable compared to the year before.
This Oldham postcode encompasses Delph, Denshaw, Diggle, Dobcross, Greenfield, and Uppermill, offering a more affordable option with an average price of £340,960, seeing a slight increase of 1%.
Bredbury, Romiley, Woodley, and Marple within this Stockport postcode come with an average price of £330,250, remaining stable compared to the previous year.
With a staggering average property price of £3,184,000, Broadway, Altrincham, has been hailed as the most expensive street to live on not just in Greater Manchester, but the entire of the North West.
A private and picturesque country lane, this prestigious road is lined with sprawling detached houses, each uniquely styled and often barely visible behind the towering gates, secure fencing, trees and foliage. To one end of the cul-de-sac sits a far-reaching forest that’s perfect for dog walks, and beyond the door of each pristine property, a flourishing homeowner benefiting from a highly exclusive living quarters, as well as an abundance of shops, bars and restaurants, all within easy reach.
Boasting an eye watering average house price just shy of £3,000,000, it’ll come as no surprise that Barrow Lane, Altrincham, is among the most expensive areas in Manchester to live.
A tucked-away oasis lined with towering, established trees and luscious greenery, this stunning spot is a vision of luxury and grandeur. The homes here are the epitome of extravagance - think momentous pillared facades, enormous windows and awe-inspiring entranceways - and that’s just the outside. Delve beyond the pristine porchways and you’d be met by even more opulence.
The properties on Barrow Lane benefit from the best of both worlds - the serenity of a purely peaceful and scenic living spot, together with the appeal of Hale village’s profusion of local amenities.
Previously hailed as ‘Gold Trafford’ due to its close link with Manchester United players, it’s no secret that Alderley Edge is among Greater Manchester’s most desirable places to live - but Underwood Road, with its average house price of £2,925,000, is particularly magnificent.
Homes here leave nothing to want for - immaculate, private, spacious, secure - and all with a sprawling garden space in which to enjoy when the Manchester weather perks up a little (it does happen, sometimes!)
The residents of Underwood Road - as you would expect - range from Premier League football players to highly successful CEOs. It’s an incredibly sought-after place to live and the prestigious location continues to garner a great deal of interest from prospective buyers.
Set among neat, verdant hedges, succulent shrubbery and an assortment of established trees, Summerhill Road, Prestbury is a highly coveted spot with mega mansions proudly perched on either side of the street. According to Rightmove, the most recent house sold here was in August 2022, with the final price agreed at £4.5 million.
This securely gated 6 bedroom detached home benefitted from perfectly-manicured, far-reaching lawns, a home gym, swimming pool, sauna, orangery, treble garage and cinema room. So, if you have a few million going spare, this is the sort of thing you can be looking to invest in.
And finally, unsurprisingly, the fifth most expensive street in Greater Manchester is located back in Alderley Edge - perhaps the most famous rich area in Manchester. Acclaimed for its wealth of rich and famous residents, Alderley Edge is the essence of luxury living - and the vastly impressive homes that line charming Whitebarn Road are some of the priciest in the North West.
Those looking to buy a property on Whitebarn Road can expect to spend around £2.5 - £3 million (sometimes more), with the average house price here currently sitting at £2,696,000. For this sum, you can pick up a huge, 5 bedroom detached home kitted out with everything you could wish for and more, all within easy reach of Alderley Edge’s vibrant village high street.
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The luxury property market is one that continues to fascinate many, but for those genuinely interested in buying a mansion or large dwelling, our article ‘Grab a bargain luxury house due to stamp duty rises’, makes for an interesting read. Alternatively, for more property news and information, head over to our news page, where you’ll find all the latest in the world of real estate, together with all the top tips and advice you could ever need to buy, sell and improve with success.