The Gascoigne Halman team were delighted to see Altrincham, Macclesfield and Didsbury recognised in ‘The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2026’, an annual guide widely regarded as one of the most influential roundups of standout locations across the UK.
Operating in each of these areas, our team see first-hand what makes them such desirable places to call home. This year’s shortlisted North West locations highlight the strength of both thriving suburban markets and High Peak living, each offering strong demand, lifestyle appeal and long-term value.
Altrincham continues to go from strength to strength as one of South Manchester’s most successful suburbs. With its award-winning market at the heart of a thriving town centre, excellent schools, family-friendly neighbourhoods, and outstanding transport links into Manchester, Altrincham remains a top choice for buyers seeking a balance of convenience and lifestyle. A growing independent food and drink scene further enhances its reputation as one of the region’s most dynamic and desirable locations.
Didsbury is equally sought-after, known for its leafy streets, period architecture, and strong sense of community. Its vibrant high street of independent cafés, boutiques, and restaurants, combined with excellent transport connections into Manchester city centre, continues to attract a wide range of buyers and tenants. As one of our strongest-performing investment locations, Didsbury delivers consistently high demand, strong occupancy levels, and rental yields of around 7%, making it a reliable and attractive option for landlords.
Macclesfield, steeped in history as a former silk town, offers a unique blend of heritage and modern living. With direct rail links to both Manchester and London, it is ideally positioned for commuters, while its thriving cultural scene and strong sense of community add to its appeal. While not fully rural, it sits on the edge of the Peak District and acts as a gateway to the wider High Peak, where surrounding areas offer a more semi-rural lifestyle. Together, these locations combine strong demand, scenic surroundings and excellent connectivity, proving just as successful and high-performing as nearby suburban areas.
“Across all three areas, we continue to see strong demand from buyers looking to secure homes in vibrant locations that offer both lifestyle and long-term value,” said John Halman, Chairman of Gascoigne Halman. “What’s particularly encouraging is the strength across both our suburban markets and our High Peak locations. Areas like Didsbury continue to deliver excellent rental returns and consistent demand, while locations such as Macclesfield and the wider High Peak offer a compelling blend of space, connectivity and countryside living. It’s no surprise to see them recognised, as we love working in these towns every day, helping people find their perfect properties.”
With branches in Altrincham, Macclesfield and Didsbury, our teams bring unrivalled local knowledge and a deep understanding of the property market in each area. Whether you are considering a move or exploring investment opportunities, our local experts would be delighted to help.
