The North West property market remains in a strong position, with affordability, good transport links and continued buyer demand helping the region stand out from many parts of the UK.
Across Edward Mellor’s core areas, including Stockport, Tameside and Greater Manchester, buyers are still active, particularly where homes are well presented and priced correctly.
Cheshire, including Stockton Heath and Northwich, continues to perform as a premium lifestyle-led market, attracting buyers looking for space, schools and long-term value.
Nationally, the market is more cautious. The latest RICS survey recorded a net balance of -34% for new buyer demand in May, unchanged from April.
However, RICS also noted signs that the recent slowdown may be stabilising, while regions such as the North West are expected to continue to see prices rise over the year ahead. Additionally, the survey showed the North West as an outlier in England, as the only region where respondents reported an increase in buyer demand over the past three months – a trend that has endured throughout 2026. (1)
Net balance = the proportion of respondents reporting a rise minus those reporting a fall.
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 £247,033, with total sales reaching £1.59 billion. Flats accounted for 13% of sales, achieving an average price of £163,727, while houses achieved an average price of £262,063. (2)
Current average values are also ahead of the wider North West:
This shows the continued strength of Edward Mellor’s local areas, where demand is supported by access to Manchester, strong local amenities and a good mix of family housing.
For sellers, this is positive. Buyers may be more selective than in recent years, but homes that are priced correctly from the outset are still attracting interest.
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. Overpricing can cause a home to sit on the market for longer, while a realistic price can help generate early interest and stronger offers.
To find out the true value of your home, contact our expert team today for a free property valuation.*
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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 June, giving buyers and sellers a degree of stability. (3)
CPI inflation was 2.8% in the 12 months to May, unchanged from April, while monthly GDP contracted by 0.1% in April following growth in both March and February. (4) (5)
Despite this, house price data remains resilient. Average UK house prices were £270,080 in April, up 3.8% from a year earlier. (6)
Rightmove reported that average new seller asking prices fell by 0.6% in June to £376,191, the biggest June fall in fourteen years. While this points to a more price-sensitive market, it also suggests sellers are becoming more realistic, which can help keep transactions moving. (7)
Mortgage approvals also remain encouraging, with 65,945 approvals recorded in April, up 3% on March and 8% higher than a year earlier. (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:
Although Zoopla reported that buyer demand is down 10% year-on-year nationally, sales agreed are tracking ahead of last year, and northern markets continue to compare favourably with more expensive southern areas. (9)
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 Stockton Heath and Northwich reached £363 million, with an average home price of £327,149. Sales prices have increased by 17.8% over five years, while flats accounted for just 9.7% of sales. (10)
This highlights the strength of the area as a house-led, lifestyle-driven market. Buyers may take longer to make decisions at higher price points, but demand remains steady for well-positioned homes.
For sellers, presentation and pricing are key. Homes that reflect current buyer expectations are still well placed to achieve good results.
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, demand remains driven by connectivity and value. In Stockton Heath and Northwich, the market is supported by lifestyle appeal and premium housing.
Across both markets, the message is clear: 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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