Areas for First Time Buyers in East Lancashire

Clitheroe

Clitheroe is a charming market town renowned for its historic castle, vibrant high street, and scenic beauty. The town boasts a variety of independent shops, restaurants, and excellent schools, contributing to its desirability. For those who love the outdoors, Clitheroe’s countryside offers plenty to enjoy—from exploring the Primrose Community Nature Reserve to discovering popular walking trails nearby, with the Forest of Bowland, Pendle Hill, and charming villages like Waddington just a stone’s throw away. Clitheroe railway station offers direct services to Manchester, with journey times of around one hour, making it suitable for commuters. The average house price in Clitheroe is around £180,900, reflecting its popularity and range of amenities.

Darwen

Darwen is a lively town offering a blend of urban and rural living. Residents have access to a range of amenities, including shopping centres as well as the picturesque Darwen Tower, which provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Darwen railway station offers direct services to Manchester, with journey times of around 45 minutes. The average house price in Darwen is about £168,000, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability without compromising on amenities.

Cherry Tree/Feniscowles

Cherry Tree and Feniscowles are neighbouring areas located to the west of Blackburn, offering a residential lifestyle with convenient access to urban amenities. The areas feature local shops, reputable schools and proximity to Witton Country Park, providing ample green space for recreation. Cherry Tree railway station provides direct services to Blackburn and Preston, with onward connections to Manchester and Liverpool. The average house price in these areas is approximately £226,000, appealing to first-time buyers seeking a balance between city and family living.

Knuzden

Knuzden is a small residential area situated on the outskirts of Blackburn. It offers a peaceful environment with local amenities such as convenience stores and schools. Its proximity to the M65 motorway ensures easy access to nearby towns and cities, including Blackburn, Preston and Burnley. The average house price in Knuzden is around £167,500, providing an affordable entry point into the housing market.

Pleckgate

Pleckgate is a desirable area of Blackburn, known for its excellent schools and family-friendly atmosphere. The area offers various amenities, including local shops, parks. Regular bus services connect Pleckgate to Blackburn town centre, where train services to Manchester and Leeds are available. The average house price in Pleckgate is approximately £180,000, reflecting its appeal to families and first-time buyers.

Oswaldtwistle

Oswaldtwistle is a town with a rich industrial heritage, now offering a range of amenities such as shopping centres, parks, and cultural attractions like the Oswaldtwistle Mills shopping village. The town benefits from good transport links, with the M65 motorway nearby and Church & Oswaldtwistle railway station providing services to Blackburn, Preston, and beyond. The average house price for a semi-detached home in Oswaldtwistle is about £140,000, making it an affordable and convenient location for first-time buyers.

Clayton-le-Moors

Clayton-le-Moors is a small town situated between Accrington and Great Harwood, offering a blend of residential comfort and accessibility. Residents benefit from local amenities such as shops, schools and parks. The town is well-connected via the M65 motorway, facilitating commutes to larger cities. Public transport options include bus services to nearby towns and cities. The average house price in Clayton-le-Moors is approximately £159,410, with terraced properties averaging £113,794, semi-detached homes at £173,2915, and detached properties around £255,468.

Blackburn

Blackburn is a large town offering a mix of urban amenities and cultural attractions. Residents have access to The Mall, which is one of the largest shopping centres in Lancashire where you can browse all your favourite high street stores with over 130 stores in total, restaurants, theatres and sports facilities. The town boasts a well-connected rail network with services to major cities like Manchester and Preston. The average house price in Blackburn is around £169,000.

Burnley

Burnley is a historic market town known for its beautiful parks and strong community spirit. Local amenities include shopping districts, schools, and healthcare facilities. The town is well-connected via the M65 motorway and has a railway station offering services to Manchester and Leeds. The average house price in Burnley is £144,223, making it an affordable option for first-time buyers.​

Haslingden

Haslingden is a town known for its rich industrial heritage and scenic surroundings. Residents enjoy a range of local amenities, including supermarkets, independent shops and traditional pubs. The town is also home to the Halo, a distinctive panopticon sculpture offering panoramic views of the Rossendale Valley. Haslingden benefits from good transport links, with the A56 providing direct access to the M66 motorway, facilitating commutes to Manchester in approximately 30 minutes. The average house price in Haslingden is approximately £204,853, making it an affordable option for first-time buyers.

While we don't service this area directly, our sister company Ryder & Dutton does.

Waterfoot

Waterfoot is a small town nestled in the Rossendale Valley, offering a close-knit community atmosphere. Local amenities include convenience stores, cafés, and the acclaimed BRGS (Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School), which adds to the area's appeal for families. While Waterfoot does not have its own railway station, regular bus services connect residents to nearby towns and cities. The average house price in Waterfoot is around £183,429, providing an economical choice for those entering the property market.

While we don't service this area directly, our sister company Ryder & Dutton does.

Bacup

Bacup is a historic town characterised by its well-preserved Victorian architecture and strong community spirit. The town offers various amenities, including local shops, markets and leisure facilities. Bacup is surrounded by picturesque countryside, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Although there is no railway station, bus services connect Bacup to Rochdale and Burnley, where train services to Manchester and Leeds are available. The average house price in Bacup stands at approximately £174,684, making it an affordable area in East Lancashire for first-time buyers.

While we don't service this area directly, our sister company Ryder & Dutton does.

Each of these East Lancashire areas presents unique advantages for first-time buyers, from the affordability of Nelson to the urban amenities of Blackburn. When considering your first home, evaluating factors such as local amenities, transport links, and community atmosphere will help you find the perfect fit for your needs.

All average house prices are from Rightmove.co.uk and were correct at time of publishing April 2025.