The pros and cons of setting up home by a canal in Greater Manchester.
They're a reminder of our industrial past, but what are they like to live by? Canals played a major role in establishing Manchester at the forefront of the industrial revolution. However, many of the warehouses and mills which lined the waterfronts lay derelict until the latter part of the 20th Century before regeneration developers saw the potential of providing waterside living. Engineers began digging out the urban canals that had not long before been filled in and canal-side living suddenly became cool.
Some of the pros and cons of living beside a canal, We found 10 homes situated alongside canals across Greater Manchester currently on the market.
Pros. House prices – according to the Canal & River Trust, property values are boosted between 15 and 25 percent by canal restorations close by. The Trust also suggests the local economy gets a boost, which is only a good thing for house prices.
Psychological boost – research by the University of Exeter found people feel calmer and more relaxed living by the water. So if modern day life is stressing you out, a canal-side home might help you chill out.
Activities – living near the water obviously means you’ll be nearer to water-related activities, such as canal cruising, rowing or canoeing or just taking a stroll down the towpath.
Privacy – it is far less likely that new developments will pop up right at your back window if you have a canal running past the end of your garden.
Cons.
Insurance – if there’s one thing insurance companies don’t like it is flooding. Check the Environmental Agency’s flood map and don’t be surprised to find insurance companies unhappy that you are less than 50 metres from the water.
Vermin – rats like water and also rubbish that can get dropped on the towpath. Although it shouldn’t pose a big problem, you might find some unwanted house guests if you’re the owner of a cat who likes to bring home presents like voles.
Insects – midges love canals so if you have a garden leading down to a canal you might be more likely to get a nibble when relaxing in the long summer evenings.
Smells – British canals certainly don’t usually have the stench of Venice, but stagnant water can cause unpleasant smells. This would be less likely close to a lock, where the water is faster moving, or in more rural locations.
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