The North West property market continues to show resilience, with affordability, connectivity and buyer demand helping the region stand out from many more expensive parts of the UK.
Across Edward Mellor’s core areas, including Stockport, Tameside and Greater Manchester, average sale prices have risen by 4.5% over the last year, compared with 2.5% across the wider North West.
Cheshire, including Stockton Heath and Northwich, remains a premium, house-led market. Values are broadly stable year-on-year, while five-year growth of 16.0% points to continued long-term strength.
Nationally, conditions remain more cautious. The latest RICS survey recorded a net balance of -29% for new buyer enquiries in June, improving from -34% in the previous two surveys.
The good news for sellers across the North West is that the region continues to represent an outlier, with most respondents reporting an increase in buyer enquiries. This is in sharp contrast with the rest of the UK – only respondents in Northern Ireland also reported a similar rise in buyer interest.
RICS also noted that the downturn may be easing, although activity remains subdued. A net balance of +1% of respondents expects sales volumes to rise over the next 12 months, suggesting a broadly stable outlook. (1)
Net balance = the proportion of respondents reporting a rise minus those reporting a fall.
The North West continues to appeal to first-time buyers, upsizers, investors and movers relocating from more expensive areas.
If you’re thinking of selling, getting the price right at launch is essential. Buyers have more choice, and July’s fall in national asking prices shows that sellers are competing harder for attention. A realistic price can help generate early interest and stronger offers.
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Across Stockport, Tameside and Greater Manchester, local market performance remains encouraging.
Over the last 12 months, the average sales price across Edward Mellor Core Areas was £249,295, with total sales reaching £1.64 billion. Flats accounted for 12% of sales, achieving an average price of £164,840, while houses achieved an average price of £264,028. (2)
Current average values are also ahead of the wider North West:
Average prices have increased by 4.5% over the last year, outperforming the wider North West. This reflects the appeal of well-connected neighbourhoods with good amenities and a strong mix of family housing.
Transaction numbers are lower than a year ago, but the decline is slightly less pronounced than across the wider region. Well-presented homes can still attract interest when priced correctly from the outset.
Stockton Heath and Northwich continue to stand apart as premium Cheshire markets.
Known for strong schools, quality housing and attractive village-style locations, these areas attract buyers focused on lifestyle, space and long-term value.
Over the last 12 months, the value of homes sold across the Cheshire Core area reached £362.6 million, with an average home price of £324,366. Flats accounted for 11% of sales, achieving £148,208 on average, while houses achieved £357,648. Prices have increased by 0.7% over the last year and by 16.0% over five years. (2)
The market remains house-led, with average values of £522,284 for detached homes, £315,460 for semi-detached homes and £232,036 for terraced homes.
For sellers, presentation and pricing are key. Buyers may take longer at higher price points, but well-positioned homes remain well placed to achieve good results.
The wider UK market is still being influenced by interest rates, inflation and the overall economic outlook.
The Bank of England held the Base Rate at 3.75% in July, with the Monetary Policy Committee voting 6–3 to keep rates unchanged. Energy prices and conflict in the Middle East remain important risks for inflation and borrowing costs. (3)
CPI inflation eased to 2.6% in the 12 months to June, down from 2.8% in May. Monthly GDP grew by 0.1% in May after falling by 0.1% in April. (4)
Average UK house prices were £271,295 in May, up 2.7% from a year earlier. The July average of independent forecasts points to house price growth of 1.6% across 2026. (5) (10)
Rightmove reported that the average price of property coming to market fell by 1.0% in July to £372,359, compared with the ten-year July average fall of 0.2%. This underlines the importance of realistic pricing. (6)
Mortgage approvals increased to 58,200 in June, while HMRC recorded 98,700 seasonally adjusted residential transactions. Activity continues, although buyers remain price-sensitive. (7) (8)
The North West continues to benefit from a strong combination of affordability, connectivity and genuine housing demand.
Compared with many southern markets, buyers can still access better value and more space, while commuter links into Manchester remain a major draw. This continues to attract first-time buyers, families, upsizers and investors.
In short:
Zoopla reported that sales agreed were 9% lower in July as higher mortgage rates and political uncertainty affected confidence. However, northern markets continue to compare favourably with more expensive southern areas. (9)
The North West continues to show resilience, supported by affordability, strong local demand and long-term confidence in the region.
Across Stockport, Tameside and Greater Manchester, price growth remains ahead of the wider regional market. In Stockton Heath and Northwich, demand is supported by lifestyle appeal and premium housing.
New seller asking prices across the UK fell by 1.0% during July to £372,359. This was a larger reduction than the average July fall of 0.2% recorded over the previous ten years.
However, the latest ONS and UK House Price Index data cover May 2026, when completed sale prices increased by 0.3% month on month and 2.7% annually, reaching an average of approximately £271,000.
This suggests that sellers are reacting to a cautious market, but also that buyers are willing to pay when they find the right property.
Ultimately, buyers are active but more considered. The best results are being achieved by sellers who price realistically, present their homes well and take expert local advice.
Whether you are buying, selling or investing, understanding the local market is key to making the right move.
Edward Mellor has over 40 years of property experience, and our local teams can help you set the right price, understand current demand and create a marketing strategy that works.
If you’re purchasing with a mortgage, Edward Mellor’s in-house mortgage advisors can help you explore your options and find the most suitable deal for your circumstances.
We compare the latest rates of over 50 high street and niche lenders offering over 2,000 products to get the right deal for you.
Sources
*Edward Mellor property valuations are free for people who are looking to sell their home. Valuations for other purposes may incur a fee.
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