House prices in Greater Manchester are going up twice as fast as the national average.
The most expensive properties currently on sale have an asking price of around £5m.
So... can you get more for your money?
You may think owning a remote island is something only dreams are made of.
Well, it's actually not that far-fetched an ideal.
For those looking for a more secluded way of life, high-end mortgage brokers Enness Global has come up with a list of islands you can get for the same price as a high-end Greater Manchester home - or less.
Manchester United coach Nicky Butt's incredible six-bedroom mansion in Hale is still on the market as the region's priciest at £5.5m.
It has six bedrooms and seven bathrooms - plus two main reception rooms, a gym, cinema and bar.
Coming in at £5.25m, is a bespoke six-bedroom home in Bowdon with four impressive reception rooms and landscaped gardens.
Futher afield, you can get your hands on a slice of paradise - with sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. And the best bit - some are significantly cheaper than those Greater Manchester properties.
Europe
Closest to home is the Greek island of Stroggilo in the Aegean Sea, famous for its clear water.
The freehold investment covers 54 acres of greenery and is on the market for just £3.9m.
Although it has a power grid, the only downside is that it remains undeveloped and would need some work.
USA
Enness has highlighted two potential island investments in the US.
Faraway Estate is on the market for £4.7m, with the freehold island covering 4.4 acres and comes fully developed and ready to live on. Built in 1901, the fully-restored main cottage has seven bedrooms and outstanding 360-degree views.
If you’re after more space, Trump Island in Washington boasts 29 acres of freehold island living, with a price tag of £4.3m.
The self-sustained island is off-grid. It has independent power and water systems and approved slips for seaplanes and yachts... as well as a helipad.
Caribbean
Heading to the Bahamas offers a whole host of island options.
For a little over £3.8m, you can secure 16 acres of partially-developed freehold island life on Pierre Island.
Or for just under £3.5m, you can opt for Big Fish Clay, a fully developed, 55-acre, private freehold island, with 400 feet of secluded sandy beaches and infrastructure such as underground water, power, internet and phone already in place.
It comes with existing and partially completed buildings including a two-bedroom oceanfront cottage.
Central America
If you want to join other celebrity buyers such as Leonardo DiCaprio, then Belize is your best bet for an island purchase.
North Saddle Caye is on the market for just over £3.8m and provides four acres of freehold island paradise, already developed with its own protected lagoon.
Or this 6.5-acre private island resort lies just 6.5 miles from Belize City’s international airport and is fully sustainable with solar power and its own reverse osmosis system for potable water to serve the five beachfront cottages - as well as the main residence.
It also lies just a mile away from the Great Barrier Reef.
The Rest
If Madagascar or Tonga are more your cup of tea, then there are also options to buy an island instead of a prime Greater Manchester home.
They range from 32 acres to a huge 950 acres although they require development and are on the market as leasehold sales, priced between £3.5m to £4.7m.
If you're looking for something smaller in size and at the cheaper end, you can bag 7.1 acres in the Philippines for £792,000.
It's an ideal summer hideaway located just a half hour boat ride to main tourist attractions such as the Twin Lagoon, Maquinit Hot Springs, and at least two Japanese shipwrecks for diving adventures.
