Accommodation in Manchester

We recommend that, before beginning their search for accommodation in Manchester, expats take the time to consider their priorities, preferences, needs and budget.

Most expats moving to Manchester opt for a rental home, at least initially. Renting first is a good idea because it gives expats the freedom to experience the city before committing to a more permanent solution. 

Types of accommodation in Manchester

The types of property available in Manchester are predominantly apartments (flats) in the city centre and houses in the surrounding suburbs. Terraced housing is also popular. There has been an increase in the number of apartments available in some of the trendier suburbs of Manchester, so apartment living outside of the city is also increasingly available for those who prefer this option. 

A major factor affecting an expat's decision when choosing a place to live is the type of lifestyle they are looking for. Certain areas lend themselves well to particular lifestyle preferences. Young professionals and singles looking to be close to entertainment tend to choose property in the city centre or the bustling Northern Quarter. Expats moving to Manchester for business purposes, on the other hand, often live in Spinningfields where the headquarters of many multinational companies are based. Families are likely to gravitate towards suburban areas with good schooling options such as Didsbury.

Finding accommodation in Manchester

There are numerous ways expats can find accommodation in Manchester, but real-estate agents, relocation agencies and online property portals are by far the most effective resources.

A wide range of options is available on the internet for expats wanting to find property to rent or buy in Manchester. While expats can go directly to an estate agent's website, it is often easier to use a property portal. Most agents advertise their properties via these portals as well as on their own websites, saving people time and allowing them to compare properties offered by different real estate agents.

Hiring a real estate agent can be helpful for expats who need a little guidance, while those who need assistance in housing as well as other aspects of relocation should consider hiring a relocation agency. These companies are able to assist expats in finding properties to match their specifications and can help in all aspects of the relocation process if necessary.

Renting accommodation in Manchester

Once expats have found their ideal home, they'll need to begin the process of signing the lease and paying the deposit.

Leases and deposits

The typical lease in Manchester is six or 12 months. Short-term rentals can also be found in Manchester for those who don't want to sign onto a fixed lease. This can be extremely useful when expats first arrive and need somewhere to stay while they look for a more permanent home. 

Deposits are usually equivalent to one month’s rent. At the end of the lease period, the deposit should be returned in full, assuming that the rental home is still in good condition. 

Utilities

On top of the cost of rent, tenants will usually also be responsible for utilities such as council tax, electricity, water and gas bills. That said, expats who would prefer a home with utilities included may be able to find one. While this option may be less of a hassle each month, this will limit their rental choices and may end up being more expensive than paying for utilities themselves. Most utility bills in Manchester are sent at set times throughout the year.