These areas have been rated highly for their affordability, quality of life and commuting convenience
Stalybridge has been named an ‘underrated’ UK property hotspot (Image: Getty Images)
Two Greater Manchester towns have been ranked amongst the UK’s ‘most underrated’ property hotspots this year. With many people still being priced out of major UK cities due to high house prices, house hunters are now looking further afield in search of better value.
Cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Sheffield are in high demand, but many of their surrounding towns offer similar benefits without the hefty price tag. New data from Sell House Fast has identified the UK’s top 10 underrated areas that stand out for their affordability, commuting convenience, local amenities and quality of life.
With low crime rates, strong school ratings, and an abundance of independent cafés and restaurants, these areas are ideal for families, first-time buyers, and young professionals alike. The property experts assessed six commuter towns for each of England’s five biggest cities and ranked each on liveability and commuting factors.
The experts also identified where house prices are rising fastest, helping buyers identify up-and-coming areas before prices peak. “Whether searching for a hidden gem to call home or simply wanting more for your money, these ‘property dupes’ could be the smartest buys on the market today,” a spokesperson for Sell House Fast says.
Mossley and Stalybridge, two towns in Tameside, both ranked amongst the UK’s most underrated property hotspots outside of London. Here’s why:
Mossley
Mossley, a town in the upper Tame Valley in the foothills of the Pennines, sits nine miles east of Manchester. It was named one of the Best Places to Live in England in 2025 by The Sunday Times.
Mossley has now been ranked as the 8th most underrated UK property hotspot for its accessibility to Manchester, with a 55 commute in the car and just 17 minutes on the train. The town has an average house price of £200,244, as well as 62 percent of Ofsted-rated good or outstanding schools within five miles.
Stalybridge
Stalybridge, which sits eight miles east of Manchester, has been ranked in 10th place as a underrated UK property hotspot. Known for its accessible transport links, it takes just 50 minutes to commute in the car whilst a train into Manchester takes just 12 minutes.
The town has an average house price of £240,631 and 63 percent of Ofsted-rated good or outstanding schools within five miles, as well as a strong presence of good local shops, cafes and pubs.
Top 10 ‘underrated’ UK property hotspots:
Rank
Town
Hub city
Car approx. commute time (mins)
Train approx. commute time (mins)
Average house price
Crime risk score /1,000
Good/ Outstanding schools within five miles
Overall score /10
1
Horsforth
Leeds
29
26
£328,259
556
74%
7.05
2
Rowley Regis
Birmingham
41.5
21
£206,009
620
90%
6.96
3
Sutton Coldfield
Birmingham
33.5
24
£394,443
475
72%
6.39
4
Chesterfield
Sheffield
40.5
12
£212,576
626
64%
6.29
5
Dronfield
Sheffield
29
10
£273,863
394
66%
6.19
6
Kenilworth
Birmingham
47.5
100
£449,304
379
70%
6.12
7
Newton-le-Willows
Manchester
55
20
£217,662
622
72%
5.73
8
Mossley
Manchester
55
17
£200,244
N/A
62%
5.39
9
Menston
Leeds
47.5
21
£364,003
456
66%
5.37
10
Stalybridge
Manchester
50
12
£240,631
N/A
63%
5.35