Renting out your house can be a great way to generate steady, passive income, but it requires careful planning and a lot of work.
In this guide, we will provide a step-by-step overview of the whole process so you know everything you need to know for how to rent out your house.
Is Manchester Safe? The Key Facts
No time to read the full article? Here are the most important facts to take away:- Crime is highest in Manchester city centre, with Trafford an area of low crime.
- Sale, Altringham, Ancoats, and Didsbury remain top locations in the Greater Manchester area.
- Burglary is on a comfortable down trend across Manchester – good news for property owners.
- Despite higher than average crime statistics for the UK, Manchester is a safe city to live and work in, with plenty of investment opportunities.
How Safe is Manchester?
It’s important to view all of these statistics with an appropriate understanding. At its core, Manchester is a safe place to live. The communities in the area are positive, many schools are very good, the universities are well renowned, and most people go about their daily lives confident and safe. Crime statistics can give a somewhat skewed view of the city, focussed as they are on the negatives.
Nonetheless, there are some places in Manchester where crime is higher than others as the following statistics will show.
Property Related Crime in Manchester
While crimes such as shoplifting and bicycle theft do shape an area, they are of less relevance to property owners than more direct home-related crime such as burglary. Safety-related crimes such as violence and sexual assault also have a significant impact on personal safety and thus the desire to live in an area. Breaking down the crime statistics in this way is therefore more relevant to use as property specialists.
Burglary in Manchester
Perhaps the most obviously impactful crime for home owners is that of burglary. Here, the areas of Manchester, Salford, and Bolton figure the highest, with 10.76 burglaries reported in Manchester per 1,000 residents.
Burglary in Greater Manchester for the year ending December 2022. Stats courtesy of police.uk
As can be seen in the chart, other regions such as Oldham, Rochdale, and Stockport also feature in this undesirable top ten.
Nonetheless, for most Greater Manchester areas, the rate is lower than the national average, represented by the green line showing that, outside of the city centre itself, burglary is not a particular problem for Manchester homeowners.
Criminal Damage and Arson in Manchester
Criminal damage tends to focus on commercial buildings, but it’s still a worry for residential property owners. Again and as expected, Manchester city is the worst area here, with Salford and Wigan both above the national average:
Criminal Damage and Arson in Greater Manchester for the year ending December 2022. Stats courtesy of police.uk
Vehicle Crime in Manchester
Feeling that your car is safe to be parked outside your home is key, plus the crime statistics for an area have a significant impact on insurance premiums. Once more, Manchester proves to be a hotspot for vehicle crime, above the national average of 9 crimes per 1,000 alongside Oldham and Salford:
Vehicle Crime in Greater Manchester for the year ending December 2022. Stats courtesy of police.uk
Violence and Sexual Assault in Manchester
Sadly, violence and sexual assaults in the area are greater than the national average in five of Manchester’s boroughs. Manchester, Rochdale, Salford, Oldham, and Bolton all have significant levels of these crimes which are particularly worrying for women and families.
Violence and Sexual Assault in Greater Manchester for the year ending December 2022. Stats courtesy of police.uk
The Safest Areas in Manchester
Looking at both the crime statistics and a sprinkling of local knowledge, we can find some of the safer areas of Manchester.
Sale
Trafford is an area that constantly reports lower-than-average crime in all categories. Five miles out of Manchester city centre, Sale is part of Trafford that is well loved for families and landlords. One of the safest areas for children, Sale boasts low levels of burglary and vehicle crime. It’s also quite picturesque, with the delightful Bridgewater Canal a feature.
Altrincham
Another area where crime is low is Altringham. A modern market town, Altringham residents are relaxed and easygoing, far more likely to be trying out a locally produced craft beer than engaging in undesirable burglary.
With its excellent schools and range of peaceful parks, Altringham is considered one of the best places to live not only in Manchester, but in the whole of the UK.
Ancoats
Despite being in Manchester city centre, Ancoats has been revitalised in recent decades and crime continues to drop here. A favourite of students, Ancoats enjoys a vibrant nightlife but remains safe even at night.
Didsbury
Community is a strong influence in Didsbury, helping lower crime and keep the streets safe for the families that live here. It’s quite an affluent area, with higher than average house prices, but in being so eschews much of the perceived negativity of Manchester.
Most Dangerous Places in Manchester
Despite all the positivity, there are areas of Manchester where people should remain alert. These include Moss Side, Rochdale, and Salford; three places that regularly appear in crime reports. With lower levels of affluence and higher levels of unemployment these areas sadly represent the worst of Manchester, however, with regeneration across Manchester at a constant high, they do offer an exciting opportunity for property investors.
Is Manchester Safe to Live in for Students
With multiple universities and an incredibly thriving student population, Manchester has a constant demand for independent student housing. Thankfully, crime rarely rears its ugly head in the student-centric areas of Manchester. Like all cities, there is risk when travelling alone, especially at night, and young people living in Manchester should take sensible precautions to avoid trouble, but on the whole Manchester provides an enjoyable few years for those living here to study.
How Crime in Manchester Affects Property Owners
It is no real surprise that the city centre of the UK’s second-largest city suffers from above average crime levels, but for the property investor, Manchester remains a positive area to consider. Burglary and vehicle crime, two of the most relevant types of crime to affect property ownership have shown significant improvement over the past few years. It is a trend that should continue for the rest of the decade and beyond as investment and regeneration provide a bright future for the city.
Residents and landlords with property in both the City of Manchester and the larger Greater Manchester area should remain confident. The Greater Manchester Police has a significant visible presence in the region and work constantly to keep the city safe.
Manage Your Manchester Property with MMC
At MMC, we have a wealth of local knowledge and experience to help you make the most of your Manchester property. Our team are here to manage tenants, deal with property marketing, and take the burden of property management away from the landlords, making investment in Manchester a smooth operation. If you are considering investing in a house in Manchester, contact us to speak to one of our team today.
