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Which is why towns along the length of the third phase of Metrolink are preparing for a property boom.
The arrival of actual trams may be five years away but developers and investors are already well aware of the long term potential brought by an easy commute.
Much of the regeneration of East Manchester has been based on the new Metrolink line with eight new stops at Pollard Street, Holt Town, Sport City, the Velodrome, Clayton, Edge lane, Cemetery Road and Droylsden. But it is at the end of the line at Rochdale where areas could see some of the biggest price hikes.
And the area of Newbold could be the pick of the bunch.
Tidy
You can still pick up a tidy terrace here for around £80,000 but it will be minutes away from a new Metrolink stop being built close by the existing Morrison's supermarket.
Dan Cookson who analyses property statistics for the on-line site housepricereports.com says the market in Rochdale is already strong but that good transport can transform an area. He said: "Looking at the figures it would seem the Rochdale market is clearly outperforming the rest of the region already.
"It has picked up from flat market seen in Autumn 05 and Winter 05/06 and given proposed transport improvements this trend is likely to continue."
The site can map sale prices of a particular area allowing you to check how different neighbourhoods are performing and allowing you to spot potential hot-spots.
Carrie Morgan and her family moved into a three storey townhouse at Newbold last month and she admits some people were dubious about the location. She said: "It has a bit of a bad name but I think that is changing fast and we are just a five minute walk from the new Metrolink stop which will change it even more."
The Morgans part-exchanged a terrace in Spotland for the four bed townhouse built by Persimmon on a site just off Milnrow Road. Carrie said: "We paid £194,995 and they picked up our stamp duty and legal fees and I think we did a good deal.
"We have loads more space for the children and the views from the first floor living room are amazing. Many people don't know this estate is here and I think it will be a good investment for the future."
Prices in Milnrow and Newhey are already far higher than Newbold but James Alexander Connolly a valuer with agents Cowell Norford said: "Sometimes you have to pay a little bit more to see better longer term rewards."
He added: "Although prices have risen dramatically, property in many areas is still very affordable and this, coupled with a strong rental demand, has focused investor interest on the town. And it is not just the seasoned professional.
"We have seen an increase in the number of couple's looking for an affordable investment to help fund their retirement.
Confirmation
"Confirmation that Rochdale will eventually be getting a Metrolink line can only serve to increase the confidence there already is because the commute will be easier."
A mile outside the town centre at Castleton, Countryside properties have sold a quarter of the all properties on a new estate being built on the old site of Mayfield Rugby Club and many buyers are local.
Emma Birkett joined forces with her parents to invest in a new four-bed property here and they see the £230,000 house as not just a good place for Emma's son William to grow up but as a good investment for the future.
Emma, a day care assistant, said: "We found that quite a few developers have plans to build in Rochdale which I think will boost prices and encourage more people to move here.
"But I wanted to get in early to make the most of any increases but also because this development is close to a great nursery for William.
"It is across the road from Castleton station which has train links to Manchester but I think that the Metro coming will make even more people think about moving here."
Countryside Properties, Mayfield. Prices:£104,950 for a one bed apartment, £199,950 for a three bed semi. 01706 640964
Persimmon Homes, Newlands, Newbold - 01706 712877.
For more information, please select the links below.
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