What’s It Like to Live in Barrow-in-Furness?
Barrow-in-Furness is an historic industrial town in Cumbria known for its shipbuilding heritage and distinctive Victorian and Edwardian housing. Buyers are often attracted by the coastal setting, affordable property prices and strong sense of community. If you are planning to buy here it helps to be aware of the types of properties available, local risks and survey considerations.
Barrow-in-Furness Living – Property and Lifestyle Overview
Architectural Features of Properties
Barrow has a wide range of property styles from terraced workers’ cottages built during the industrial boom to 20th-century semis and newer developments on the outskirts.
Historical Buildings and Their Features:
- Barrow Town Hall: This Grade II listed Gothic Revival building reflects the town’s prosperity in the late 19th century. Properties near Abbey Road and the conservation area can be subject to planning controls that protect the area’s character.
- Local Brick and Sandstone: Many period homes are built using local brick and sandstone. These materials are porous and can suffer from erosion and damp if not properly maintained.
Survey Findings Specific to Barrow:
- Damp Issues: Older terraces in Hindpool and parts of Barrow Island often show signs of rising damp and condensation due to solid walls and limited ventilation.
- Subsidence Risks: Some areas around Walney Channel have softer ground conditions that can lead to movement over time.
- Roofing Concerns: Many homes have slate roofs that need regular inspections to spot slipped slates and failing flashings.
- Energy Efficiency: Properties built before 1930 often have low energy performance and may require insulation upgrades.
Local Amenities and Notable Places
Local Amenities:
- Furness General Hospital: The main healthcare provider in the town offering a wide range of services.
- Barrow Park: A large green space with gardens, play areas and a boating lake.
Notable Places:
- The Dock Museum: An award-winning attraction showcasing Barrow’s maritime and industrial history.
Flood and Radon Risks
Flood Risks: Properties near Walney Channel and some low-lying areas around Barrow Island can be at higher risk of flooding. It is advisable to check Environment Agency maps before buying.
Radon Risks: Radon levels in Barrow are generally low although testing is still recommended for properties with basements or solid floors.
Traffic Congestion and Issues
Traffic Congestion: Abbey Road and the approaches to the docks can be busy during commuting hours and shift changes.
Public Transport: Barrow Railway Station provides services to Lancaster and Manchester. Bus routes connect the town to Ulverston and nearby villages.
Conservation Areas
Conservation Areas: The Abbey Road Conservation Area includes many Victorian properties where planning permission is needed for changes to windows, doors and roofs.
Future Projects: Regeneration plans in Central Barrow include new housing and public space improvements that may affect traffic and parking during construction.
Safety and Crime Statistics
Barrow has average crime levels compared to other towns of similar size. The most common issues are antisocial behaviour and minor property crime in the town centre. Residential areas further out generally have fewer incidents.
Home Survey Considerations
Survey Recommendations: A Level 3 Building Survey is recommended for older terraces and larger Victorian homes to check for damp, roof problems and structural movement.
Unique Survey Challenges: Homes near the coast can be exposed to more severe weather and salt damage requiring careful inspection of brickwork and roofs.
Local Building Materials and Their Implications
Red brick and sandstone are common materials in Barrow. They require regular maintenance including repointing and sealing to prevent moisture damage.
Comparison with Nearby Areas
Compared to Ulverston and Dalton-in-Furness, Barrow offers more affordable period properties and a wider choice of larger terraces. Buyers also benefit from better transport links and a full range of amenities.
Best Places to Live in Barrow-in-Furness and Why
Barrow has several neighbourhoods that stand out for different reasons including period housing, access to amenities and quieter surroundings.
Hindpool
Hindpool has many Victorian terraces with character features and easy access to shops, schools and Barrow Park. Buyers here appreciate the traditional architecture and central location.
Newbarns
Newbarns is a popular area with a mix of semi-detached houses and detached homes. It is known for good schools and a quieter feel compared to the town centre.
Walney Island
Walney Island offers coastal living with detached houses and bungalows. Some properties have sea views and direct access to beaches.
Ormsgill
Ormsgill provides a range of family homes including post-war semis with larger gardens. The area has local shops and good road links to other parts of Barrow.
Why Buyers Choose Barrow-in-Furness
Buyers choose Barrow for its affordability, varied housing stock and easy access to both coast and countryside. Whether you prefer a traditional terrace or a newer home near the water it is important to arrange a detailed survey to understand any maintenance issues before you buy.
Barrow-in-Furness Property Market Trends – 2025
Thinking of buying in Barrow? Here’s a simple overview of this year’s prices and what’s happening locally.
Average Prices – Barrow-in-Furness (July 2025)
| Property Type |
Average Price |
Most Common |
| Terraced |
£124,850 |
Yes |
| Flats |
£91,500 |
No |
| Semi-detached |
£164,400 |
No |
Source: Rightmove, July 2025
The average house price in Barrow is just under £130,000. Terraced houses are the most common sales followed by semis and flats. Prices have risen by about 3% over the past year.
What’s Happening in the Area?
Barrow continues to see investment in housing and infrastructure with several schemes underway:
- Marina Village Development: A major regeneration project delivering hundreds of new homes, public spaces and commercial units near the waterfront.
- Central Barrow Renewal: Ongoing improvements to streets, shopfronts and public areas to revitalise the town centre.
- Affordable Housing Initiatives: Local councils are working with developers to provide more affordable properties and shared ownership schemes across Hindpool and Ormsgill.
- Transport Upgrades: Investment in Barrow station facilities and local road improvements to improve connectivity.
For First-Time Buyers
Two-bedroom terraces remain the most popular choice offering good value and space for first-time buyers. New build options at Marina Village will provide more choices as phases complete.
In Summary
Barrow offers affordable housing and a range of property styles with steady price growth. If you are buying it is always recommended to book a survey so you understand the condition of your chosen home before committing.
