Suburb's growing attraction for young families

There’s a real surge of interest in Totley as a place to live, that’s been gathering momentum for some time, according to local estate agent Nick Riddle.The director and chartered surveyor at Eadon, Lockwood and Riddle, links the trend and associated price rise of property, in part, to the excellent schools offered within this S17 postcode area.He said: “Totley has a very strong market and much of that is to do with its primary school being one of the best in Sheffield. It has been for some time.”Together with the close proximity of Totley to Blacka Moor and the Peak parkland, just a six-mile journey to the centre of Sheffield, and a wide choice of handy local amenities, it’s unsurprising that people, particularly young families, have woken up to its charms.“I see Totley as very similar to Dronfield in terms of growing popularity,” added Mr Riddle. “People who might have gone for Greystones or Fulwood are looking at these villages instead.“Both are singled out because of their outstanding schools, and as pleasant areas with a strong, friendly, sense of community. They are lively places. Totley has a really good village feel to it.“I honestly can’t think of any drawbacks to the place. Perhaps the only one could be Baslow Road and the 30mph dual carriageway. It catches loads of people out when a speed check is run, but otherwise no, no negatives I can bring to mind.”With close links to Dore, (the villages share a railway station and a golf club), Totley has seen disparity in property prices, with Dore commanding the higher price tags.At present, there are still affordable family properties to be found in Totley, if people with a budget are not too choosy when moving in to the area, with a view to perhaps moving again in a year or two, said Mr Riddle.“The massive shortage of properties is still driving prices,” he said. “But Totley is still cheaper than Dore, Fulwood or Millhouses for example. Personally I prefer Totley to Dore but that’s just my view.“People traditionally want to market their houses in April/May time, but it does make sense to get them up for sale now because the demand is so high. In another couple of months there will be more to choose from. There will be a glut of homes come on at that time....it happens every year.”Look hard and you can find a roomy three-bedroom terraced house for £160,000 in Totley in today’s market, a two-bed fully refurbished apartment for £130,000 or the odd family semi for around £150,000 (with two bedrooms), but well over £200,000 for three.“Some of those prices are comparable to, say, Handsworth,” said Mr Riddle.“The S17 postcode has some of the best restaurants and bars in Sheffield. And the majority of buildings have character.“I think this area will see maybe five to six per cent growth this year. Not for the top end though. The very wealthy can drive a better bargain.”The one-platform Dore and Totley rail station is served mainly by the Northern service between Sheffield and Manchester and the TransPennine Express service between Manchester and Cleethorpes.Attractive in its own right, it also provides a choice of catering establishments that are appreciated by locals and visitors alike.Chris Morgan, Chair of the Friends of Dore and Totley Station said: “The Summer House opens for breakfasts at 8.30 and remains open until late with a take-away option that is also offered by Rajdhani, open from 5pm until late. Peppercorn offers high class cuisine. “Where else can be found a single platform station offering such excellent catering facilities on site?”