Here’s what you need to know:
The locations have been picked for their beautiful homes, top-tier schools and exclusivity
Four parts of Greater Manchester have been named in a new list of the top 10 ‘best places to live’ in England and Wales. New research by Garrington Property Finders has highlighted the prime locations to live in England, Wales and Scotland.
The top locations have built up their reputations over time, appealing through a mixture of beautiful homes, top-tier schools, quality of life and exclusivity, as well as their improving value for money.
In 2024, the average value of a home in England rose by 4.3 percent to reach £290,564, whilst the average price paid for a home in Wales rose by 3 percent to £208,197.
Yet analysis by Garrington Property Finders revealed dozens of prime areas where the price of a family home either fell or rose more slowly than the regional average, making for better quality value.
Many of the top performers are smaller towns and villages, locations that “combine quintessential charm and heritage with connectivity, community and countryside.”
Amongst those featured in the list are three areas in Stockport – Marple, Gatley and Bramhall – as well as Bowdon in Trafford.
Councillor Mark Hunter, leader of Stockport Council, said: “While Stockport town centre continues to make headlines with the biggest town centre regeneration in the country, it’s our district centres that tell the real story of what makes Stockport special.
“I’m absolutely delighted to see Marple, Gatley and Bramhall all ranked in the top 10 best places to live in England and Wales in Garrington’s 2025 report. That’s an extraordinary endorsement of our borough – and a real testament to the strength of our local communities.
“Marple is climbing the national ranks for good reason – its beautiful setting, strong sense of community and the exciting plans for the new Marple Hub are putting it firmly on the map. The Hub will have a huge and lasting impact on the prosperity, health and wellbeing of local people – and shows what’s possible when you back a place to succeed.
“Gatley and Bramhall’s recognition reinforces what so many residents and visitors already know – that these neighbourhoods are thriving, full of life, and rooted in a brilliant mix of people and local pride.
“At a time when many towns are struggling, this kind of national recognition shows that Stockport’s approach – backing local places, investing in community infrastructure, and building for the long term – is delivering real results.
“We’re proud of every corner of this borough. And we’re only just getting started.”
The 10 best prime locations in England and Wales in 2025
1. Redbourn, Hertfordshire
Average house price: £767,501
Value for money rank: 15
Price change: -8.2 percent
The top-ranked location in England and Wales is Redbourn in Hertfordshire.
“The chocolate box English village has two golf courses and traces its history back to Roman times. It was also the scene of one of the first cricket matches ever played – the village common first echoed to the sound of leather on willow in 1666,” says the property experts.
At £767,501, a typical family home in the village costs well above England’s national average and places Redbourn firmly in prime territory.
But average prices in the area have fallen by 8.2 percent in the past year – bucking the national trend and propelling Redbourn to 15th place in the England and Wales value for money category.
2. Whitburn, Tyne and Wear
Average house price: £328,699
Value for money rank: 153
Price change: -1.6 percent
The second highest ranked prime location in England and Wales is the seaside village of Whitburn.
“Boasting spectacular sandy beaches and within easy reach of both Newcastle and Sunderland, Whitburn has long been one of the North East’s most desirable areas,” Garrington says.
“Nature plays a huge part in the village’s appeal – its coastal park, run by the National Trust, attracts rare birds, while seals and dolphins can be seen out to sea.”
The price of a typical family home in Whitburn fell by 1.6 percent to £328,699 at the end of last year. In contrast, the average price of a property in North East England rose by 6.7 percent in 2024.
3. Marple, Greater Manchester
Average house price: £496,289
Value for money rank: 344
Price change: -3.3 percent
Hot on the heels of Whitburn in the prime ranking is Marple in Greater Manchester, which is another consistent contender.
In 2024 it came 15th overall in our the Best Places to Live ranking, but in 2025 it has risen to an impressive fourth place.
“The town is within easy reach of the big city – it boasts two train stations and is just 10 miles from central Manchester – but offers a gentler pace of life with a rural location and canalside walks, along with a farmer’s market, theatre and independent cinema,” the experts say.
4. St Albans, Hertfordshire
Average house price: £974,657
Value for money rank: 51
Price change: 0.2 percent
5. Chigwell, Essex
Average house price: £836,520
Value for money rank: 66
Price change: -2.6 percent
6. Rawdon, West Yorkshire
Average house price: £498,580
Value for money rank: 441
Price change: 0.1 percent
7. Gatley, Greater Manchester
Average house price: £518,395
Value for money rank: 19
Price change: 0.9 percent
8. Bramhall, Greater Manchester
Average house price: £597,941
Value for money rank: 93
Price change: 0.8 percent
9. Menston, West Yorkshire
Average house price: £464,218
Value for money rank: 331
Price change: -2.9 percent
10. Bowdon, Greater Manchester
Average house price: £733,812
Value for money rank: 88
Price change: 3.5 percent
“The headline data suggests property prices are rising across England and Wales, but scratch the surface and some areas are bucking this trend to become significantly better value,” says Jonathan Hopper, CEO of the buying agents Garrington Property Finders.
“Our analysis has revealed several highly desirable parts of England and Wales where prices have either fallen, or risen more slowly, over the past year. Some of the biggest savings are to be made in perennially popular, prime locations which offer excellent amenities, a high standard of living and now also improving value.
“With mortgage interest rates forecast to come down gradually during 2025, many would-be buyers and movers are likely to progress their plans in coming months, keen to capitalise on the combination of lower borrowing costs and a highly competitive market in which buyers often hold the cards when it comes to negotiating the best price.
“Our team of experts across England and Wales is already seeing a surge in interest from buyers who’ve decided to kickstart their previously paused moving plans in 2025. If this is you, our latest Best Places to Live guide can help you identify locations with the optimum blend of natural beauty, quality of life and value for money.”
Published: 2025-04-13 07:14:01 | Author: [email protected] (Phoebe Jobling) | Source: MEN – News
Link: www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Tags: #Greater #Manchester #areas #named #list #top #places #live #England #Wales
