I need to/want to buy a flat in Manchester, not to live in just yet but as an investment, a way to get a UK address and also for somewhere to live in three to four years.

I have a maximum of 65000 pounds to spend and will do this over the next 12 months, looks like prices are stagnating or might even go do.

I have been to Manchester but do not know it at all. The reason I have picked Manchester is that my son will start school there in about three years time, or rather in rural Lancashire, and that I think I could get a job there fairly easy.

Anyway, what I need from you guys is advice on decent parts on the City to live in in terms of getting to the city centre, the motorway, shops etc and not end up in parts where they have drive-by shootings or such. I obviously cannot afford anything superfancy but I need/want decent.

Whoa hold your horses!

What about buying a house very near the good secondary schools? That way, you will be ideally placed for a good primary and then after, a secondary of your choice.

I don't want to be negative but you aren't going to find much in a decent area around here for 65k.

So are you wanting accommodation in rural Lancashire then? because you would not live in central Manchester and manage schooling in rural Lancashire easily. Although you could live in rural Lancashire and commute to Manchester for work.

Either way rural Lancashire is not known for being full of apartments & flats in Manchester for 65k ???

Presumably George meant that his 65k would be a deposit, not his whole investment...?

I did mean 65k for a flat, what I can see on rightmove.co.uk, that would be possible. We are talking the smallest flat possible but I take on board what you say. The kids will be boarding so that is not an issue but thank you for your help.

You get what you pay for.. lower priced places often require some radical improvements/modernisation, if you are qualified to do that work yourself, it may be a very good investment. (Obviously, look out for misleadingly low prices that are explained by shared equity, short remaining leasehold etc.)

Hi George or should I say Jambo? I lived in Manchester for several years (and loved it). I lived in Hulme (very near the city and fairly cheap), and Whalley Range. I loved both places and felt safe and happy i both. Manchester is super friendly and is close to lots of countryside. It gets more rain because of the hills surrounding it but I didn't find it too dismal. I think the people warm it up!!

We're looking at a village called Broadbottom which is fairly cheap (small houses for 110 000 and apartments for less). It's a beautiful village and has excellent train links into Manchester. It has a website so maybe take a look.

I would be careful of taking anything way too cheap in the city as you do have to choose your areas. North Manchester can be pretty grim so do your homework.

Anyway, Manchester gets my vote and we'll be landing there in just a few short weeks!

And I hope Kenya doesn't drive you too mad. My family are from Nairobi.

Queheri.

Thank you Lillybilly. I will look into that but we'll see what happens, I was contacted today about a job in Camberely... not paradise on earth but a good job so could be of interest.