Self build homes may gain from Manchester C-Charge

A property expert has said that homes close to good public transport links in Manchester may gain in value due to the enhancement of such links and the cost to motoring of the city's proposed congestion charge.

The government announced yesterday that the city will follow London in having a charging system, although this depends on enough of Greater Manchester's councils agreeing to the move.

In return for this a £3 billion budget will be allocated to enhance train, tram and bus services.

Commenting on the move, Paul Collins, property editor at investor magazine BuyAssociation, said: "We've seen in other cities - particularly in London - that if you've got a good public transport network then prices will go up, so it should be a real help."

Such a situation could also mean self build homes located near such links gain in value as a result.

One of the places which will be close to the extended Metrolink Tram Network is New Islington in east Manchester.

The Tutti Frutti development in the district has been set up to provide the opportunity for self builders to design and construct their own home.