What £400k will get you in Sale (M33) right now
With its leafy streets, revived town centre and quick links into Manchester and beyond, Sale (M33) continues to be one of Greater Manchester’s most sought-after postcodes. Families love the outstanding schools, commuters value the Metrolink and there’s no shortage of cafés, restaurants and green spaces to enjoy.
But in today’s competitive market, what does a budget of around £400,000 actually buy you in M33? We’ve partnered with local estate agent EweMove Sale to find out.
3-bedroom Victorian terrace on Dane Road. Marketed at £400,000, offer accepted a little over asking price
Why £400K?
£400,000 is a sweet spot in Sale’s property market, appealing to a wide range of buyers. Between May 2024 and May 2025, the average price for all properties sold in the M33 postcode was £406,701, with terraced houses averaging £347,759. That makes £400k a realistic budget for many buyers, as it can work for first-time buyers (FTBs) looking for a long-term home, up-sizers wanting more space or young families keen to put down roots in a thriving, well-connected community.
What can you expect for your money?
In most cases, £400k will secure a well-sized two- or three-bedroom home – often a terraced Victorian or an ex-local authority property. Victorian terraces charm buyers with their high ceilings, big windows and the occasional cellar, though you may have to compromise on garden size and street parking. Ex-local authority homes, on the other hand, tend to surprise with their generous proportions – even the third bedroom is usually a double.
If period semis are on your wish list, you’ll find 1920s and 1930s examples in this price range, complete with curb appeal and solid bones. They often need some modernisation, but that’s part of the appeal for buyers who want to add value and personality.
Where should you look?
A popular neighbourhood in this price bracket is Sale Moor, which has seen a boost in demand thanks to expanding local primary schools and a growing mix of independents such as Fantastic No Plastic and Fibber Magee’s Irish pub, alongside long-standing favourites like local butcher, Taylors of Sale. For the best value, head to M33 7 (around the town centre), where the average price is £336,592 – though central residential stock is more limited.
More and more, we meet people who are moving out of areas like Chorlton, Didsbury and more recently Ancoats and the city centre, choosing Sale for its excellent schools and family-friendly feel. Sale High School has even reduced its catchment area this year and secured funding for new buildings, further boosting the town’s appeal to parents planning ahead.
2-bedroom Victorian terrace with garden on Massey Road, Sale Moor. Recently sold within two weeks a little over asking price.
Who’s buying at £400k in Sale?
A budget of around £400,000 suits a wide range of buyers in Sale. Families often see it as the next step up, looking for more bedrooms or a bigger garden without leaving the area. Professional couples tend to use it to upsize from a starter home into something with more living space, while downsizers from larger properties are drawn to the chance of a more manageable home close to shops, cafés and transport links.
According to EweMove Sale, properties listed for under £400,000 are moving quickly – on average, going sold subject to contract within just two weeks. Homes close to Sale’s excellent schools and the Metrolink network remain at the top of most buyers’ wish lists, with location often outweighing other considerations.
What buyers are looking for
Space is a key driver in this bracket – both in terms of everyday living and working from home. More people (43.61%) in M33 work remotely compared to the North West average (27.34% - source: Dataloft by Price Hubble 2021 Census), making a dedicated home office or adaptable spare room a high priority. Parking, open-plan layouts and proximity to the town centre also rank highly.
Spotting hidden potential
If you’re buying in Sale with one eye on long-term value, it’s worth looking beyond the décor. As the team at EweMove point out, while a new kitchen or bathroom can make a home more attractive and easier to sell, they don’t always add significantly more than the cost of the work. Instead, think about structural changes that can transform a property – side returns and open-plan kitchen extensions, loft conversions and even cellar conversions can all unlock extra space and add real value over time.
How to buy a house in Sale: top tips
1. Start with the right advice
Before you start scrolling through property listings, speak to trusted local professionals so you know exactly what you can afford. Having your finances in order means you can move quickly when the right home comes up, which is essential in Sale’s competitive market.
2. Be prepared to discuss your deposit
Estate agents are required to check where a buyer’s deposit is coming from on behalf of the seller. For first-time buyers, deposits often come from a mix of sources – savings, Lifetime ISAs or family contributions – so have this information ready.
3. Share your wish list
Be open and honest with local agents about what you’re looking for. They often know about properties coming to the market weeks before they’re listed and a clear picture of your needs could put you first in line for a viewing.
4. Understand the seller’s priorities
You might be surprised to hear that it’s not always just about the highest offer. Ask the seller (via the agent) what matters most to them in a buyer – it might be flexibility on moving dates, a quick sale or knowing their home will be cared for. Let them know why you love the property; the human touch can go a long way.
5. Ask the right questions
A good agent should be able to answer detailed questions about a property – from when the boiler was last serviced to school catchment areas, parking permit costs, the nearest Metrolink stop and even flood risk. Don’t be shy about asking!
6. Choose your own mortgage advisor if you wish
While some estate agents offer in-house mortgage advisors, you’re under no obligation to use them. If you already have a trusted advisor, stick with them – though it’s worth hearing any recommendations, as introductions can sometimes be helpful.
About EweMove Sale
Established in early 2025, EweMove Sale stands out locally for its personal, 24/7 service, deep local knowledge and no-sale-no-fee guarantee. Every viewing is accompanied, every listing gets premium marketing and every client works directly with a dedicated local expert from start to finish.
If you're looking to buy or sell a property in Sale, Trafford or beyond, get in touch with Sam and Pete Corbett today at EweMove Sale.
All images © EweMove Sale.
