HOUSE prices in affluent south Manchester suburbs such as Sale and Altrincham will likely buck the national trend and grow significantly over the coming years thanks to the BBC’s move northwards.

That’s according to global real estate advisers DTZ, who reckon the BBC move to MediaCity will see house prices in Sale, Altrincham and Didsbury increase more than anywhere else in Greater Manchester.

The London based firm’s associate director, Michal Skotny, believes prices in these three towns could return to pre-crash 2007 levels as wealthy Beeb workers seeks out choice accomodation with good travel links.

“Quality areas will always remain desirable,” he told Messenger. “However, the relocation of the BBC will also be of benefit to such areas. Employees who are relocating and selling London houses have sufficient equity to afford a house in more desirable parts of Greater Manchester. These purchasers want not only to live in attractive areas, but also be close to good schools and their places of employment. Didsbury and parts of Trafford, such as Sale and Altrincham, provide this.”

Skotny said while the national housing market slowed last year, there were areas in Greater Manchester which proved firmly resilient to declines.

“One of these areas is Didsbury, where according to Land Registry data, transaction volumes in the second and third quarters of 2010 have exceeded corresponding quarter transaction volumes in 2007, regarded to have been the peak of the market,” added Mr Skotny. “Other areas in South Manchester, such as Sale, also demonstrate a return to 2007 transaction volumes in the second and third quarters of 2010.”

Last year Messenger revealed how BBC staff were being steered towards Trafford by corporation bosses on the strength of the borough’s high flying schools and the Metrolink, which is currently being expanded as part of a wider improvement programme due for completion in 2013.