North West Dominance: Why Cleveleys Mirrors Manchester’s Success
The North West of England has consistently proven itself a powerhouse for property investment, with cities like Manchester leading the charge for over a decade. Its impressive regeneration, booming economy, and vibrant city life have driven significant capital appreciation and robust rental yields. However, as Manchester property prices continue to climb, a new contender is emerging as a smart, strategic alternative for investors: Cleveleys.
While seemingly disparate, this charming coastal town is poised to follow a similar growth trajectory to Manchester, offering savvy investors an opportunity to enter the North West market at a fraction of the premium pricing. Portico Invest believes Cleveleys is the hidden gem of North West property, ready to deliver substantial returns.
The North West’s Unstoppable Growth: A Shared Future
Both Cleveleys and Manchester are firmly rooted in the North West, a region forecast for remarkable property growth. Projections indicate an impressive 11.70% capital growth across the North West by 2027. This regional strength acts as a powerful tailwind for both locations, driven by factors such as:
- Economic Resilience: The North West boasts a diverse and growing economy, attracting businesses and creating job opportunities, which in turn fuels housing demand.
- Population Growth: A steady influx of residents, drawn by employment prospects and lifestyle, contributes to a robust and competitive property market.
- Infrastructure Investment: Ongoing and planned improvements in transport and amenities across the region enhance connectivity and desirability.
While Manchester has already seen significant appreciation, making entry points higher, Cleveleys offers the chance to capitalise on this overarching regional growth at a more accessible price point. The average property price in Manchester currently stands at approximately £250,000 (April 2025), with substantial growth over the past five years. In contrast, Cleveleys averages around £184,158 (over the last year), presenting a clear affordability advantage for investors.
Cleveleys: A Coastal Town on the Rise
Just as Manchester underwent a transformative regeneration in the last decade, positioning itself for impressive growth, Cleveleys is now experiencing its own renaissance. This is not just about charming seaside living; it’s about strategic investment in a town undergoing significant positive change.
Coastal Regeneration Projects
Cleveleys is currently benefiting from major coastal regeneration efforts. The Wyre Beach Management Scheme, a substantial £40m coastal defence project funded by the Environment Agency, is a prime example. This scheme involves the construction of new rock groynes and toe protection, safeguarding over 11,000 properties and critical infrastructure from flooding and erosion. These works, ongoing in various phases, not only protect existing assets but also enhance the aesthetic appeal and long-term sustainability of the coastline, making Cleveleys an even more attractive place to live and visit. The completion of these significant works, with phases at Fleetwood already finished and Cleveleys continuing, signifies a long-term commitment to the area’s resilience and appeal.
Furthermore, efforts by the Coastal Community Team in Cleveleys aim to revitalise the town centre, complementing the promenade enhancements already delivered through funding from the ERDF. This holistic approach to regeneration, addressing both coastal defences and urban amenities, mirrors the comprehensive development that propelled Manchester’s success.
Transport Improvements
Connectivity is key to growth, and Cleveleys is seeing improvements in this area too. While the local tramway already connects the town, plans to link it directly to Blackpool North train station will significantly improve national rail network access. This enhanced connectivity will make Cleveleys even more appealing to a broader demographic, from commuters seeking a coastal lifestyle to tourists looking for easy access.
These regeneration and infrastructure projects collectively lay the groundwork for Cleveleys to experience a sustained period of capital appreciation, akin to what Manchester has enjoyed.
The Allure of Off-Plan Coastal Developments
For astute investors, off-plan coastal developments in Cleveleys present a compelling opportunity. These properties offer a unique blend of lifestyle premium and strong investment returns.
- Attractive Entry Prices: Buying off-plan often allows investors to secure properties at a lower price point than completed units, maximising potential capital growth.
- Modern Design & Amenities: New developments cater to contemporary tastes, offering high-quality finishes, energy efficiency, and desirable amenities that appeal to a wide range of tenants and future buyers.
- Strong Rental Market: Cleveleys, with its coastal charm, local amenities, and improving connectivity, is increasingly attractive to both permanent residents and those seeking short-term coastal getaways. This drives strong rental demand, ensuring attractive yields for investors.
- Future Resale Potential: As the town continues its regeneration and benefits from the wider North West growth, the resale potential of well-located, modern coastal properties is significant. Investors can expect to benefit from capital appreciation as the market matures and Cleveleys’ reputation as a desirable location grows.
The unique appeal of coastal living, coupled with the projected capital growth and robust rental demand, makes off-plan developments in Cleveleys a particularly attractive investment opportunity.
Invest in Cleveleys: The Next North West Success Story
Manchester’s success story is well-documented, but the focus is now shifting. Cleveleys, with its accessible pricing, ongoing regeneration, and improving infrastructure, presents a powerful proposition for investors seeking the next wave of North West dominance. Don’t miss the opportunity to get in early on a market with immense potential.
Ready to explore the investment opportunities in Cleveleys?