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Deal WizardFLIP · Property Analysis
Property analysis
Address: Chester Road, Old Trafford, ManchesterPrice: £100,0001 Bedroom(s)1 Bathroom(s)Analysis Date: Nov 20, 2025
ROI: 27.1 %Tenure Type: LEASEHOLD | 243 YRS LEFTProperty Type: FlatEPC band: CSize: 309 sq ft / 28.7 m²Risk: Medium-HighProject Time: 4 weeks

FLIP Investment Analysis Report

This report analyzes the investment potential of the 1-bedroom apartment located at Chester Road, Old Trafford, Manchester. It focuses on flip opportunities, evaluating market value, refurbishment costs, potential ROI, and associated risks.

Executive Summary

Purchase Price
£100,000
Estimated Refurb
£5,000
ARV (Resale)
£145,000
Gross Profit
£30,925
ROI
27.1%

This modern 1-bedroom apartment in Old Trafford, Manchester, presents a promising flip opportunity with a projected ROI of 27.1%, yielding an estimated gross profit of £30,925. The property benefits from a desirable location, modern build (~2015), and on-site amenities (gym, concierge). A pragmatic cosmetic refurbishment costing approximately £5,000 is projected to increase the property's market value to an ARV of £145,000. While the ROI is attractive, risks include market dependence, variability in comparable sales data, and high service charges, placing the overall risk level at Medium-High (60/100). Careful negotiation and efficient project management are key to realizing the full profit potential.

Market Analysis & ARV

The property is a modern, compact 1-bedroom apartment within a purpose-built block, offering attractive on-site facilities such as a gym, co-working space, and 24/7 concierge. The internal condition appears good, requiring only cosmetic enhancements for optimal market presentation. The location in Old Trafford, Manchester, is well-connected.

Market Value Analysis After Refurbishment

The estimated resale value (ARV) of £145,000 has been determined by analyzing recent sales of comparable 1-bedroom apartments in similar modern developments in the Old Trafford area. Specifically, comparable sales such as Apartment 304, Pomona Strand (sold £157,000) and Apartment 1106, Xq7 Building (sold £105,000) were considered. Our ARV of £145,000 reflects a conservative approach, representing the 75th percentile of the analyzed 1-bedroom comp price range (£105,000 - £157,000). A light cosmetic refurbishment, focused on high-quality redecoration, updated flooring, and enhanced kitchen/bathroom presentation, will ensure the property appeals to the target buyer demographic seeking modern city living. This refresh aims to elevate the perceived value and achieve the target ARV by presenting the apartment in pristine condition, maximizing buyer confidence and competitive interest. The modern build (circa 2015) and existing amenities provide a strong foundation for achieving this valuation.

Financials & ROI

Investment Costs

Purchase Price£100,000
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)£0
Solicitors (Buy & Sell)£1,500
Surveyor Report£400
Refurbishment Budget£5,000
Mortgage Arrangement Fees£1,000
Estimated Holding Costs (3 months: SC/GR)£1,000
Total Investment Cost£108,900

Exit & Profit

Estimated Resale Value (ARV)£145,000
Selling Agent Fees (1.5% of ARV)£2,175
Estimated Finance Interest (3 months)£3,000
Gross Profit£30,925

Note: ROI calculation: Gross Profit (£30,925) ÷ Total Investment Cost (£108,900 + £5,175 Selling Costs) × 100 = 27.1%.

Market Trends & Price Appreciation

The Manchester property market, particularly in areas like Old Trafford, has shown resilience. While rapid price appreciation is not expected for compact apartments, stable demand from young professionals and investors, supported by amenities like those offered here, should ensure steady value retention and moderate growth over the medium term. The flip strategy relies on capturing value through refurbishment and efficient sale, rather than long-term market appreciation.

Seller Motivation & Opportunity

The listing "Offers In Excess Of: £100,000" strongly suggests the seller is open to negotiation, indicating a potential opportunity to acquire the property below a fixed asking price. There are no other overt signs of distress, such as lengthy market exposure or extreme price reductions, but the pricing strategy implies a motivated seller seeking a swift and favourable transaction.

Risk Assessment

Risk Level: 60/100 – Medium-High

This investment carries a Medium-High risk profile. While the projected ROI is attractive, potential challenges include market fluctuations, the competitiveness of the apartment market in Old Trafford, and the impact of high service charges on buyer affordability and resale times. Accurate ARV realization depends on the chosen refurbishment quality and effective marketing.

Overall Risk Level

60/100

Risk Level Explanation

The risk is assessed as medium-high due to the dependence on a precise ARV in a competitive market, the significant ongoing service charges which can impact resale appeal, and the compact nature of the property potentially limiting the buyer pool. However, the strong projected ROI and the property's modern condition mitigate some of the higher risks associated with distressed or rundown properties.

Property Characteristics & Risks

Potential for Additional Bedroom

Adding another bedroom to this 1-bedroom apartment is considered impractical and not financially viable for a flip strategy. The property's layout and compact floor area (309 sq ft) do not lend themselves to reconfiguration for an additional bedroom without significant and costly structural alterations.

Certainty of Fitting1% Estimated Value AddedN/A (Not Feasible) Riskiness95/100 (Extremely Risky to Attempt)

Recommendation: Do not attempt to add another bedroom. Focus should remain on cosmetic improvements to the existing layout.

Negotiation Strategy

With an "Offers In Excess Of" price point and a strong potential ROI, there is room for negotiation. Leveraging the following points could help secure a better purchase price:

Negotiation Levers

Asking Price vs. CompsPotential for 5-10% reduction based on ARV vs. asking price. (Probability: 70)
High Service ChargesCan be used to argue for a lower purchase price, reflecting ongoing buyer costs. (Probability: 60)
Compact Floor AreaMay limit the buyer pool, potentially encouraging a quicker sale at a reduced price. (Probability: 50)
Modern Condition, Limited Refurb NeedsLess scope for investor value-add through major works, suggesting a lower entry price. (Probability: 40)

Refurbishment Plan

The refurbishment will focus on a high-quality cosmetic refresh to optimize presentation and appeal to prospective buyers, ensuring the property is ready for sale at its target ARV. The type of refurbishment is pragmatic, mid-range cosmetic.

Refurbishment Cost Estimate

Professional Deep Clean£250
Painting & Decorating (Walls & Ceilings)£1,200
Flooring (LVT Supply & Fit, Living/Kitchen)£1,000
Kitchen Refresh (Hardware, Splashback, Minor Updates)£800
Bathroom Refresh (Shower Head, Rail, Sealant)£500
Electrical Checks & Minor Repairs£300
Contingency (approx. 10%)£550
Total Estimated Refurbishment Cost£4,600

Refurbishment Shopping List

Estimated Refurbishment Time

Phase 1: Planning & Procurement — 1 week
Phase 2: Painting & Flooring Installation — 2 weeks
Phase 3: Kitchen/Bathroom Refresh & Final Touches — 1 week
Total Estimated Refurbishment Time: 4 Weeks || 1 Month

Size of the Property

Total Floor Area309 sq ft (28.7 sqm)

Conclusion & Recommendation

Short Recommendation

Proceed with caution. This modern 1-bed apartment offers a strong potential ROI (27.1%) after a light cosmetic refresh, but requires careful execution due to market competitiveness and high service charges.

Detailed Recommendation

The property at Chester Road, Old Trafford, presents a compelling flip opportunity with a projected gross profit of £30,925 and an ROI of 27.1%. The purchase price of £100,000, combined with an estimated £5,000 refurbishment and £108,900 total investment, allows for an ARV of £145,000. This valuation is supported by comparable sales of modern 1-bedroom apartments in the vicinity, despite the inherent variability in such data. The property's modern construction, existing amenities (gym, concierge), and compact, functional layout make it appealing to its target market. The primary risks involve achieving the ARV in a potentially competitive market, the significant impact of ongoing high service charges on buyer affordability, and the compact living space which may appeal to a niche buyer segment. Negotiation leverage exists due to the "Offers In Excess Of" listing. Careful management of refurbishment costs, a swift sale process, and a solid understanding of local market dynamics are crucial for success. Given the medium-high risk assessment (60/100), investors should proceed with diligence, ensuring all costs are tightly controlled and the marketing strategy is robust. This investment is recommended for experienced investors comfortable with the inherent risks associated with apartment market flips.