Hi there, I’m Stacey Finch. As I was walking the dog past the Manchester Ship Canal this morning, I couldn’t help but think about how much things have changed. If we look back five years, the level of market activity in our corner of the world felt a bit like a Sunday stroll. There was a significant amount of choice for buyers, and the housing supply was much more abundant. But today? Well, if you’re looking at homes from the leafy edges of Moss Road in Cadishead right through to the busy heart of the M44 5 postcode, the competition for sellers is much more intense.
Imagine this for a second... What if you put a "For Sale" sign in your front garden on Monday morning, and by the time you’d finished your Friday night takeaway, it felt like half the street had poked their heads through the door? That’s the kind of energy we’re seeing right now. In M44 5, we are firmly in what we call a “Seller’s Market.”
In plain English, it means there are more people wanting to buy a home than there are homes available to move into. Imagine trying to buy the last loaf of bread in the shop when five other people are reaching for it at the same time—that’s the level of competition buyers are dealing with!
The "Magic" Number: 2.9 There is one number I always look at to see how healthy the market is: the ratio of housing supply relative to current demand. Currently, in M44 5, that figure stands at 2.9.
Think of it like a giant fruit bowl. If no one put any more apples or oranges into the bowl, and people kept snacking at the rate they are now, the bowl would be completely empty in just under three months. Usually, if a bowl takes six months to empty, the market has a balanced level of stock. Because our "bowl" has a supply level of less than three, it shows just how limited the choice for buyers currently is.
What’s on the shelves? Right now, across the whole M44 5 area—taking in everywhere from the quiet corners of Roseway Avenue to the bigger plots out towards Hayes Road—there are only 25 properties for sale. That’s not a lot of choice for the hundreds of people looking to move here.
Every month, about 9 homes are finding new owners. That might not sound like a huge number, but when you realise that 35% of the total stock levels are being committed to every single month, you can see why market activity feels so high!
What does this mean for your pocket? People are definitely willing to pay for a spot in M44 5. While the average price people are asking for is around £243,941, the price people are actually paying (based on the last year of sales) averages out at £229,052. We’ve seen some big moves recently, too—with homes on Moss Road selling for £675,000!
So, what should you do? If you are thinking of selling: It’s a fantastic time. Because there are so few properties currently for sale (only 25!), your house will really stand out. With such high competition for sellers, you are in a very strong position to find a buyer who loves your home as much as you do.
If you are looking to buy: You need to be "match ready." Because there is so little choice for buyers, you should have your paperwork tucked under your arm and be ready to act. You might not have the luxury of waiting while other interested parties are looking at the same property!
If you’re just staying put: Rest easy knowing your home is a very popular place to be. When demand is this high and stock levels are this low, it’s great news for the value of your nest egg.
Whether you're in the middle of Cadishead or on the outskirts of the postcode, M44 5 is buzzing. If you see me out and about, feel free to stop me for a chat!