Property prices hold up locally against the national trend

Typical property for the average price in Rochdale

Despite the doom and gloom and the media jumping on the slightest fluctuation in property prices to predict a "meltdown", the cost of buying a home in Rochdale has risen by 0.7 per cent, according to latest 2008 figures, while the trend nationally was for prices to fall.

Rochdalians can now expect to spend an average £123,874 for a property, compared to £122,987 two months ago.

Land Registry figures also revealed the average cost of a home in Greater Manchester was £130,802; and £138,052 in the North-West. The average throughout England and Wales was £185,616.

Local estate agents have reported a slow down in sales and completions however, the majority remain upbeat and have prepared for a slowdown until later this year when they expect the market to pick up again as the so called 'credit crunch' eases and confidence picks up again.

Mark Boulton of Heywood estate agency Mark Boulton & Co says just that: "I am not surprised prices are holding up locally, the market has slowed but not as drastically as the national media would have you believe."

Rochdale Online Director John Kay said: "The huge popularity of the Rochdale Online website helps local estate agents to ensure they continue to reach a large local audience.

"The majority of local estate and letting agents now acknowledge the Classifieds section of Rochdale Online is the most effective means to advertise local properties, and following the recent major redevelopment of the website they also benefit from their properties gaining exposure on our sister site in Bury and within a matter of weeks also in Rossendale and Oldham.

Managing Director of Rochdale Online, Pauline Journeaux added: "Sixteen agents already use Rochdale Online to advertise, and recently three more agents have signed contracts and you will see the full property portfolios of Ryder & Dutton, Mark Boulton & Co and Rochdale Estates on the site very soon. Talks are also ongoing with another of the major agents in town and agreement is expected to be reached soon.

"On the commercial property side, Barton Kendal has recently agreed terms and again you will see their commercial property online soon."

“With a record 2.5 million page views in March, no other website can possibly hope to offer such a one stop solution to help local buyers and sellers come together. If sellers want to reach the largest local audience possible then it is highly advisable they ensure they choose an agent who will advertise their property on Rochdale Online. A full list of such agents can be found at:"

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/classifieds/property