Cleveleys: The Coastal Town with Surprising Investment Potential
City Spotlight: Uncovering the Hidden Gem of the Fylde Coast
When considering property investment in the North West of England, established powerhouses like Manchester and Liverpool often grab the headlines. Yet, a quieter revolution is underway along the picturesque Fylde Coast, where towns are steadily transforming. Among them, Cleveleys is emerging as a compelling prospect for astute investors – a coastal town balancing traditional charm with significant regeneration efforts, poised for substantial growth.
Often considered a tranquil neighbour to the bustling Blackpool, Cleveleys offers a unique blend of accessible coastal living and a burgeoning future. This long-form article delves into the unique aspects of Cleveleys, highlighting its regeneration journey, why it’s becoming an increasingly attractive market for property investment, and what sets it apart from its more famous counterparts.
Cleveleys: More Than Just a Seaside Retreat
Cleveleys, part of the wider Wyre district, has long been cherished by residents and visitors for its expansive, award-winning promenade, stunning sea views, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. While it retains this quintessential British seaside charm, recent and ongoing regeneration initiatives are repositioning it as a vibrant, modern coastal community.
Key Features That Define Cleveleys:
- Award-Winning Promenade and Coastal Defences: Significant investment has gone into the Cleveleys seafront, not just for aesthetic appeal but also for vital coastal defence. The £40 million Wyre Beach Management Scheme, involving rock armour and new rock groynes, protects thousands of properties and infrastructure from flooding and erosion. This foresight in protecting its coastline ensures long-term stability and enhances the town’s appeal. The Mythic Coast art trail along the promenade adds a unique cultural dimension.
- Traditional Town Centre with Modern Amenities: Cleveleys boasts a thriving town centre with a good selection of independent shops, supermarkets, cafes, and essential services. This provides residents with excellent local amenities, fostering a strong community feel. Plans are also in place to explore further town centre improvements as part of wider Coastal Community Team initiatives.
- Excellent Connectivity (and Improving): Cleveleys is well-connected. The historic tramway runs directly along the seafront, linking Cleveleys to Blackpool in the south and Fleetwood in the north. The recent extension of the tramway to Blackpool North train station significantly enhances connectivity to the national rail network, making Cleveleys an increasingly attractive option for commuters seeking a coastal lifestyle. Major road networks are also easily accessible, connecting to the M55 and beyond.
- Proximity to Employment Hubs: While offering a quieter lifestyle, Cleveleys is within easy commuting distance of major employment centres like Blackpool, Preston, and the wider Fylde Coast. This strategic location attracts a diverse demographic, including professionals and families, who desire a more relaxed living environment without sacrificing career opportunities. The ongoing regeneration in Blackpool, including the £300 million Blackpool Central project and new DWP and MOD offices, will continue to create jobs that indirectly benefit Cleveleys.
Why Cleveleys is an Emerging Investment Market
The combination of its inherent charm, strategic location, and proactive regeneration efforts positions Cleveleys as a compelling emerging market for property investors. Here’s why it’s catching the eye of those looking beyond the traditional hotspots:
- Affordable Entry Point with Strong Growth Potential: Compared to the significantly higher property prices in Manchester or even some parts of Blackpool, Cleveleys offers a much more accessible entry point for investors. As of July 2025, average property prices in Cleveleys hover around £183,992 (Rightmove data), considerably lower than Manchester’s average of approximately £250,000 (April 2025). This affordability allows for higher potential capital growth as the town continues its upward trajectory and catches up with the wider North West’s impressive projected capital growth of 11.70% by 2027.
- Robust Rental Demand: Cleveleys attracts a diverse tenant base. Its appeal to families (due to good schools and a safe environment), retirees seeking a peaceful coastal life, and commuters looking for a blend of seaside living and urban access, drives strong rental demand. New-build properties, in particular, with their modern amenities and energy efficiency, are highly sought after, promising attractive rental yields.
- Significant Regeneration Underway (Direct & Indirect):
- Direct Regeneration: Beyond the coastal defence work, Cleveleys benefits from targeted initiatives to enhance its town centre and public spaces. The “Mythic Coast” art trail and ongoing efforts by the Coastal Community Team aim to boost visitor numbers and improve resident experience.
- Indirect Regeneration (Blackpool’s Halo Effect): Crucially, Cleveleys directly benefits from the massive regeneration projects in neighbouring Blackpool. The £300 million Blackpool Central leisure destination, the new DWP and MOD office buildings bringing thousands of civil servants to the area, and the new Multiversity college (expected 2027) will create thousands of jobs and attract new residents. Many of these individuals will seek more affordable and quieter living options in nearby towns like Cleveleys, driving demand for housing and rentals.
- Desirable Demographic Trends: The Wyre district, which includes Cleveleys, is projected to see a 10.3% population increase between 2018 and 2043, aligning with England’s overall growth predictions. This sustained population growth, coupled with a higher proportion of owner-occupied or privately rented dwellings (92.5%), indicates a stable and growing housing market. The area also shows strengthening links with central Lancashire, with Preston attracting workers from Fylde and Wyre, further underpinning demand.
- Quality of Life and Lifestyle Appeal: Cleveleys offers a superior quality of life compared to more densely populated urban centres. Its beautiful coastline, parks (like Jubilee Gardens), and community facilities make it highly desirable for those seeking a balance of nature, community, and convenience. This lifestyle appeal translates into consistent tenant demand and long-term resident retention.
Investment Opportunities in Cleveleys
The emerging market status of Cleveleys makes it ripe for various types of property investment:
- Buy-to-Let for Long-Term Rentals: With strong tenant demand from families, working professionals, and retirees, traditional long-term buy-to-let properties offer stable rental income and the potential for capital appreciation. New-build homes are particularly attractive due to their energy efficiency and modern appeal.
- Off-Plan Developments: Investing in off-plan properties in Cleveleys allows investors to secure units at potentially lower pre-completion prices, benefiting from built-in equity as the development progresses and the local market matures. This also offers the advantage of modern design and amenities that appeal to today’s renters.
- Refurbishment Opportunities: While regeneration is ongoing, there may still be opportunities to acquire older properties at competitive prices and add value through renovation, capitalising on the growing demand for quality housing in the area.
Conclusion: Cleveleys – The Next North West Success Story?
Cleveleys is more than just a charming seaside town; it’s a coastal community undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation. With significant investment in its infrastructure, strong connectivity, a growing population, and the ripple effect of major regeneration in nearby Blackpool, Cleveleys presents a compelling and often overlooked opportunity for property investors.
Its current affordability, combined with its strong rental market and promising growth trajectory, positions Cleveleys as a strategic location for those seeking to diversify their portfolio and capitalise on the next wave of North West property success. Don’t let its tranquil façade fool you; Cleveleys is a dynamic market brimming with investment potential.
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