the area is situated 1/2 south of the city centre - historically a black and irish area but in the 15 year before 2000 it was mainly a black area and had serious anti social problems including drugs, gangs and robbery.
In 2000 they cleared the area of many of the high rise and built new build low rise apartments and townhouses. Much of the existing residents were given houses/apartments within the same developments as private buyers. Investors (many Irish) piled in as the locals wouldnt touch it because of its reputation. They made a killing as prices almost trebled. The capital growth in that area has now stalled. Its still relatively easy to let in this area due to its proximity to the city centre and university but the turnover is VERY high as it looks like the perfect place for newbies to the city but they soon get broken into and/or mugged and move out to the city centre or other safer southern suburbs.
If you are looking for a cheap place to buy to let try Whalley range which is the next area to the south, if you want capital growth over the next 5-10 years try chorlton, the next south. I mainly quote these two suburbs as hot spots because they are safe (WR getting a lot safer than 5 years ago) and because of the new tram extension.
Others to look are are West Didsbury, Withington, Didsbury
More risky (but possibly more rewarding) are Fallowfield, Urmston, Ashton-u-Lyne, Gorton, Stalybrigde