A YOUNG couple who are first-time buyers say their new dream Warrington house costs less than renting their previous one-bed city centre flat.

Alex and James, both 27, are among an increasing number of buyers trading city centre living for a semi-rural lifestyle in the town.

They have secured their dream home at Countryside's Rivers Edge development, near the town centre and Centre Park on the forma Spectra packaging site.

Not only will the couple be significantly upgrading their living space from a one-bedroom apartment to a three-bedroom detached house, but their new mortgage contribution will also be around £200 cheaper than their city centre rent and parking per month.

Many young people across the country are trading city living for suburbia in a bid to save money, with Rightmove reporting 54 per cent of renters in Manchester city centre are considering moving further out of the city to save money, up five per cent from last year.

With rising rental prices – up 14 per cent annually in Manchester city centre specifically – renters are being priced out and forced to consider rural locations.

James, a doctor, commented: “Although there is the deposit to consider, once we compared our monthly costs of renting and parking in Manchester to moving to Rivers Edge in Warrington, we were surprised to find we would be significantly better off moving out of the city.

“At first we were nervous to move away from all the city centre has to offer, but we are within easy reach of Manchester and Liverpool being situated between both cities.

Alex and James at their new dream home at Rivers Edge in Warrington

Alex and James at their new dream home at Rivers Edge in Warrington

“There is also the added convenience of living close to Warrington town centre and Stockton Heath.”

Of city centre dwellers, two thirds would reportedly consider moving to the countryside to improve their wellbeing.

Having demanding jobs, Alex and James are looking forward to making the most of the green spaces Warrington has to offer.

Alex, a police officer, added: “At Rivers Edge, we are going to be able to enjoy the best parts of city life, with the added benefit of greater living space and the freedom to explore nearby parks and nature trails.

“Even better, we will be spending less per month, but investing in our own asset, and ultimately our future together.”

Gemma Hardy, managing director at Countryside in Cheshire, commented: “Buying your first home is always an exciting adventure.

“I am pleased to see customers like Alex and James enjoying the benefits of moving out of their rented one-bedroom flat in Manchester to a larger home in the suburban community at Rivers Edge.

“Not only are they substantially increasing their living space, but they are also still maintaining the benefits that city living brings.”