Following a softer month for UK house prices in March, national sentiment has been affected by growing uncertainty around the war in Iran and its impact on mortgage rates, inflation and buyer confidence.
However, while some parts of the country are feeling the pressure more than others, the North West continues to show impressive resilience, with stronger price growth and sustained demand.
For homeowners in our region, that makes this a very good time to come to market with the right local advice and pricing strategy.
March brought a more cautious picture for the UK housing market.
Halifax reported that house prices fell by 0.5% during the month, taking the average UK property price to £299,677, while annual growth slowed to 0.8%.
The bank also linked that slowdown to uncertainty around the conflict in the Middle East, with concerns over higher energy prices feeding into inflation expectations and, in turn, higher mortgage rates.
That said, the national picture is not entirely moving in one direction.
Rightmove’s March data showed that new seller asking prices rose by 0.8%, which is a typical seasonal uplift for this time of year.
Even so, Rightmove described the market as “steady rather than strong”, noting that geopolitical uncertainty has added pressure to mortgage pricing, with the average two-year fixed rate rising from 4.24% to 4.51%.
In simple terms, the market has not stopped, but confidence has become more measured.
For buyers and sellers alike, that means realism matters more than ever. People are still moving, but many are thinking more carefully before making decisions.
Mortgage affordability, household bills and wider economic uncertainty are all playing a bigger role in how quickly deals come together.
While the national headlines may sound subdued, the North West continues to tell a much stronger story.
Halifax reported that the North West recorded annual house price growth of 3.1% in March, with the average home now costing £247,442.
Rightmove’s March index also highlighted a clear north-south divide, saying the North West was leading the way with annual asking price growth of 2.6%, while London saw prices fall year on year.
That resilience is reflected even more clearly at a local level, where Edward Mellor buyers are most active.
Our March 2026 market update shows that Edward Mellor core areas across Stockport, Tameside and Greater Manchester are outperforming the wider North West, with values for detached, semi-detached, terraced homes and flats all sitting above regional averages.
This is excellent news for sellers, provided they get their pricing strategy right from the outset.
The North West continues to benefit from strong buyer demand, better affordability than southern regions, and excellent connectivity to Manchester, all of which continue to fuel the region’s popularity with buyers.
Even with mortgage rates making some buyers more cautious, the North West remains resilient as well-presented, realistically priced homes continue to attract strong interest.
That is a very encouraging position for anyone thinking about selling locally this spring.
For homeowners in the North West, this is still a market full of opportunity.
National uncertainty may have cooled momentum in some parts of the UK, but demand remains strong across the North West, and the market is highly active.
This is all the more important for sellers going into the spring market. This is seasonally one of the busiest periods in the property calendar, representing an excellent time for sellers in the North West to benefit from increased demand.
The key difference today is that buyers are more selective. Homes that are priced correctly from day one, well-presented and marketed effectively are the ones most likely to stand out to buyers.
That is why local knowledge matters.
Overpricing can lead to homes sitting on the market for longer and losing appeal, while the right asking price gives sellers the best chance of securing strong interest and protecting their onward plans.
In a competitive market, accurate valuation and tailored advice are more important than ever.
If you are thinking of selling in Stockport, Tameside, Cheshire, Greater Manchester or the surrounding areas, now is the time to act.
The North West is continuing to outperform many other parts of the country, and our local teams are well placed to help you make the most of that opportunity.
If your next move involves a mortgage, Edward Mellor’s in-house mortgage advisors can also help you explore the right options for your circumstances.
For more information on selling your home, or to book a free, no-obligation property valuation, contact Edward Mellor today.
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Sources
Edward Mellor Property Market Insights, March 2026
Halifax House Price Index – March 2026
Rightmove House Price Index – March 2026
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