'We moved to the UK and bought houses on the same street - now our kids can grow up together'

Two best friends who originally met in Nigeria have now bought their first homes in the UK - and they're living on the same street. Goodness, 32 and Tobi, 29, first met in 2019 whilst they were working as accountants, and soon went from colleagues to close friends.

After Goodness moved to the UK in 2021 to pursue work opportunities, Tobi then followed in 2022 and the pair ended up working together again at the same accountancy firm in Manchester.

Now both married with one young child each, this year both couples decided individually that they would like to get on the property ladder, and have now bought homes just doors away on the same new-build development in Partington, Trafford.

READ MORE: 'We bought the loneliest house left empty for 60 years - now it's unrecognisable'

Goodness and Tobi, who asked not to use their surnames, spoke to the Manchester Evening News as part of our Where I Live series. Each week we speak to different homeowners across Greater Manchester to hear about their home-buying journey, whilst taking a look inside their property.

When they first moved over to the UK from Nigeria, Goodness was renting a flat in Salford which she said 'wasn't suitable for her young family' as they needed more space.

"Immediately when we moved to the UK we knew that at some point we would want to buy a home. But it was a case of looking when we had enough savings," Goodness told the Manchester Evening News.

"We started saving as soon as we moved into our flat and once we started earning more, we got enough savings to look for houses that we were interested in. We wanted a new build, we didn't want an old property, so it was all new builds that we were viewing."

Tobi was also renting an apartment in Salford with her husband before moving into a rented house in Partington - on the same Countryside Homes' development where the friends now live.

"We always wanted to become homeowners and had enjoyed living in a new-build so it was non-negotiable that we wanted to buy one rather than a second hand property," Tobi said.

“I was already renting on this development, so every day when I was coming home from work I would have a look at the new houses coming up for sale. I liked the development and I liked the area so I thought why not enquire about buying."

After speaking to Tobi, Goodness then considered the development herself. She said: "I was already following Countryside online and after having a look at other developments in areas such as Rochdale, Salford and Bolton, we kept coming back to the one at Partington."

Goodness continued: "We wanted an area that had good schools and a family-friendly feel. I knew Toby was living here and I asked her how the environment was and she explained it was cool.

"So it was a no brainer for us to choose this location because my friend was already here and I was comfortable with that, and it was within our budget as well."

The ladies and their partners both chose three-bed detached houses on Millbank Lock, which is located on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal near to the city centre and on the edge of the countryside, with prices starting from £299,995.

Tobi moved into her first home in June 2024, whilst Goodness moved in the following month. They each designed their homes to suit to their lifestyles.

“Because it's a new build and we are the first people living here, the house, garden and everything has been designed to our own taste. I guess we've already made it ours in that sense," said Goodness.

"We have utilised the space within the house and have designed it how we want to suit our family and way of living. For instance, we have a garage which we've converted into a study for home working which is very good and helpful. It really feels like home here now.”

The first-time buyers have each settled into their homes with their families and say that living on the same street is 'perfect' and has brought them, and their children, even closer.

“It’s the best feeling ever," said Tobi, "There's nothing as perfect as living so close to your friend or your family. We get to enjoy the benefit of child care, our kids play together, we help each other with pick ups and drop offs. We shop together. We just understand each other and it’s just so easy. It has made us closer and our kids too.”

Speaking about her plans for the future, Goodness said: “I don’t have any plans to move. I’ve gotten so used to living here now, I know the primary school that I want my kids to go to. I don’t want to leave anytime soon. It’s definitely a long-term family home for our kids to grow up in.

"Having Tobi nearby has only strengthened our relationship and I hope that some of our other friends will move to the area in time.”

Where I Live: Get involved!

Are you a homeowner who has recently finished a renovation, or are you a tenant who has made their rented home their own?

If so, we would love to speak to you as part of our property series Where I Live. Each week we chat to different residents across the region to hear about their buying or renting journey, whilst taking a peek inside their home.

If you fancy getting involved, please email your name and details to: phoebe.jobling@reachplc.com with the subject line Where I Live.