A rural town in Greater Manchester has been hailed a 'destination in its own right' by estate agents who say they have never seen it to be 'so popular' with buyers. Homes are 'flying off the shelf' right now in Royton, a former mill town which sits in the stretch of countryside between Oldham and the Pennine hills, so much so that its popularity has been recognised on a national scale.
Rightmove has named Royton as one of the UK's top 10 sales hotspots in 2024, after witnessing house sales soar by a staggering 96 percent over the last year. But despite it being so sought-after, house prices still remain affordable - which is why first-time buyers are amongst those flocking to the town to find good value homes near to Oldham and Rochdale.
As well as its spike in interest from younger homebuyers, second-steppers and families are also being attracted to the increasingly lively town centre, excellent schools and proximity to beautiful countryside - whilst still being within ideal commuting distance to Manchester.
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With the town currently in high demand, local estate agents are rushed off their feet. Oliver White, who is the branch manager at Ryder & Dutton in Royton, said: “As someone who was born and bred in Royton, it’s exciting for me to see how much it’s developed and the buzz that’s going on around it right now.
“It’s never been more popular for home buyers and I think that’s down to a few key factors. Firstly, the centre has a lot more going on these days – we’ve got an emerging independent scene with new bars and restaurants, which is bringing a fresh energy to the centre.
"Whereas people would’ve travelled to Rochdale and Oldham to eat and drink before, Royton has become more of a destination in its own right which has been great to see. That in turn has brought a younger audience to Royton, those first-time buyers and second steppers who like the fact Royton is up and coming and still relatively more affordable than neighbours like Saddleworth."
Alongside the new bars, quality restaurants and independent shops and artisan businesses are credited with bringing a new lease of life to the town, there are plans for a facelift too. Major improvements are planned for public transport, bike and pedestrian access along the major thoroughfare Rochdale Road by 2027.
Royton is also home to Tandle Hill Country Park, Oldham’s oldest park, which spans 110 acres of open woodland and grassland. It's popular for the beautiful walks, great café, cycle tracks, bird watching, war memorial, and nature centre all within its grounds.
Oliver continued: "Buyers like that Tandle Hill Country Park is on their doorstep, the proximity to countryside blended with decent transport links, and the fact there’s been a bit of gentrification with cocktail bars, artisan coffee shops and independent restaurants which you wouldn’t have got ten years ago. So it’s these millennials that are really contributing to the rise of Royton, moving in and changing the feel of the place."
With its average house price of £227,442, house-hunters can snap up homes for cheaper than Greater Manchester's average of £253,716. According to Rightmove, the majority of sales in Royton over the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £228,529, whilst terraced properties sold for an average of £159,925, and detached properties sold for £343,331 on average.
“The average house price in Royton is now around £220,000, which represents a massive growth even from last year," said Oliver. "We’ve got a particularly strong demand here now, with the regeneration of the centre a big pull. Starter homes in particular are flying off the shelf.
"Last week, we put a lovely terrace on the market on Church Street - it was gone within 48 hours at over the asking price and had multiple offers on it. That’s the reality of the market for starter homes here.”
What's for sale in Royton right now
Three-bed townhouse, £200,000
This spacious townhouse is currently on the market for £200,000. The three-bed property is considered 'ready to move into', and would ideally suit a young family. It sits in a popular development close to schools and amenities.
On the ground floor there is an entrance hall, a lounge leading through to the dining room and an extended fitted kitchen. Upstairs are three good sized bedrooms as well as a family bathroom.
Outside there is a garden to the rear, with a garage and off-street parking to the front. The house is located on Wetherby Drive in the sought-after area of Thorp in Royton. Thorp Primary school is within easy reach and the property is well placed for access to Royton town centre with its good range of shops, amenities, bars, cafes and restaurants.
Three-bed end-terrace, £239,950
This unique property is a large, period end-terrace in a particularly popular part of Royton, on the market for £239,950. Estate agents describe it as a 'rare opportunity' to buy such a 'deceptively spacious home' which could be ideal for many types of buyers.
Entering the home there is a hallway leading to a generous sized lounge with a wood burner and a beautiful, modern kitchen and dining area perfect for entertaining.
This home also benefits from having two basement rooms as well as a rather large utility room used occasionally as a gym. There is also another room currently used as an office.
Upstairs are two large double bedrooms and a smaller single bedroom, as well as a stylish main bathroom. Outside there is a communal courtyard to the rear and also access to a large store room.
Three-bed semi-detached, £249,950
This stylish family home is on the market for £249,950 and is an ideal modern property suitable for a young family, with a sleek, contemporary interior throughout. The end mews house has an entrance hall, lounge and modern kitchen on the ground floor.
Upstairs are three bedrooms, two of which are doubles, and a gorgeous family bathroom. The property is tucked away at the end of a small cul-de-sac and sits on a generous plot with resident parking. To the rear of the house there is a good-sized enclosed garden with attractive paved patio and artificial grass.
Larchfield Close is already proving to be a firm favourite for buyers in the Royton area according to agents. Just a short stroll to Royton Park and the bars, restaurants and cafes in Royton town centre, the property is also within easy reach of local countryside walks.
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