The North West remained one of the strongest performing housing regions, with annual house prices rising by 4.5%, well above the UK average.

Peter Graham, head of real estate and construction for the North at RSM UK, comments:

“’The North West housing market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, and this new data reaffirms the region’s long‑term strength. With affordability remaining comparatively attractive and confidence returning to the market, we expect sustained buyer activity throughout 2026. Businesses, investors and homeowners alike should take encouragement from the region’s strong fundamentals and the improved economic backdrop.

“During the run-up to the Autumn Budget, there was uncertainty from government around property taxes which resulted in a stagnated market. However, the picture for 2026 appears more positive with recent asking price data from Rightmove showing the largest January increase in more than two decades. And with the latest UK inflation figures dropping to 3% in the year to January 2026, and another big fall in inflation is expected in April, we expect further reductions in interest rates across the coming year. This should help ease affordability challenges, particularly for first time buyers.”

He added:

“Market surveys also indicate that buyer sentiment is turning increasingly positive, with improved sales expectations and stabilising supply conditions contributing to an optimistic outlook for the year ahead.”