North West Property Market Could Continue to Outperform in 2026
The North West property market continues to attract attention in 2026 — and the latest figures from Rightmove suggest there are good reasons for the region’s resilience.
While the wider housing market has experienced a subdued year, the North West continues to outperform many southern regions. Rightmove’s latest September 2026 data shows an average asking price of £274,774 in the North West, with prices 1.7% higher than a year ago. Properties are taking an average of 57 days to find a buyer.
Compare that with London, where asking prices are 2.6% lower year-on-year, or the South East, where they are down 1.8%.
So, what is helping the North West remain comparatively strong — and could this continue?
Here are eight reasons why the region could remain one of the country’s more resilient property markets.
- Affordability Continues to Work in the North West
One of the biggest advantages for the North West is affordability.
Property prices remain considerably lower than in many parts of southern England, making the region more accessible to first-time buyers, families and people looking to move from higher-priced areas.
This becomes particularly important when mortgage affordability is under pressure. A lower purchase price can make a significant difference to the size of mortgage required and monthly repayments.
Rightmove has repeatedly highlighted affordability as an important factor behind the difference in performance between northern and southern markets. In September, the average asking price in the North West was £274,774, compared with £657,775 in London.
- The North West Is Still Outperforming Many Southern Markets
The latest Rightmove figures provide clear evidence that property-market performance varies significantly by region.
In September 2026:
- North West: +1.7% year-on-year
- North East: +2.7%
- West Midlands: +1.5%
- Yorkshire & The Humber: +0.2%
- South East: -1.8%
- South West: -1.1%
- London: -2.6%
The figures demonstrate that the housing market is far from uniform. What is happening in London or the South East does not necessarily reflect what is happening here in the North West.
- The North–South Divide Remains Visible
The difference between more affordable northern markets and many higher-priced southern regions remains noticeable.
September’s figures show positive annual asking-price growth in the North West and North East, while London, the South East and South West all recorded annual falls.
There is no guarantee that this pattern will continue indefinitely, but the fundamental affordability difference between regions remains significant.
For buyers, the North West can offer more property for their money. For sellers, this underlying affordability can help support demand.
Rightmove’s September data also shows that around 71% of homes marketed for sale in the North West are currently finding a buyer, compared with 56% in the South East and 42% in London.
- Mortgage Affordability Remains a Key Factor
Mortgage affordability remains one of the biggest influences on the housing market.
The picture has become more challenging again in recent weeks. Rightmove reported in September that the average two-year fixed mortgage rate had risen to 5.29%, up from 5.09% a month earlier.
Higher borrowing costs can restrict how much buyers are able or willing to pay, making regional affordability particularly important.
For North West buyers, comparatively lower property prices can therefore provide an advantage when household budgets are under pressure.
- Strong Rental Demand Supports the Region
The North West is not only attractive to homeowners. It also remains an important region for landlords and property investors.
Rightmove reported that advertised rents in the North West increased by 3.6% during 2025, the strongest rental growth of any region in its year-end rental data.
Although rental growth has been moderating as supply and demand gradually become better balanced, underlying demand remains important.
Affordability pressures mean some households will continue renting rather than buying, while people relocating for work, families and those saving for deposits all contribute to the rental market.
For investors, this can create an interesting combination of more accessible property prices, established rental demand, potential rental income and longer-term capital-growth prospects.
However, successful investment still depends on buying the right property in the right location and fully understanding costs, regulations and likely rental yield.
- The Region Offers Opportunities for Property Investors
For investors, the North West’s relative affordability can be particularly attractive.
Compared with higher-priced areas in the South, the initial capital required to purchase a property can be considerably lower. This can potentially improve the relationship between purchase price and achievable rent.
But 2026 is not necessarily a year in which investors should rely on rapid capital growth.
A more sensible approach is to consider the complete investment picture:
Purchase price + mortgage costs + rental income + maintenance + taxation + regulation + potential long-term capital growth.
Investors should also consider local demand carefully. A property with strong tenant demand and sensible rental potential may prove more attractive than one where the only selling point is the possibility of future price growth.
- Regeneration, Employment & Infrastructure Can Support Demand
Property markets do not operate in isolation.
Investment in employment, transport, infrastructure, retail, education and regeneration can all contribute to an area’s attractiveness over the longer term.
Across the North West, towns and cities continue to benefit from investment and development, while areas within commuting distance can also attract people looking for more affordable homes without moving too far from employment opportunities.
For buyers and investors, this is why looking beyond today’s property price is important.
What is happening in the surrounding area can be just as important as what is happening inside the property.
- Buyers Have Plenty of Choice — Making Accurate Pricing Crucial
The North West may be outperforming many regions, but that does not mean every property will sell quickly or achieve its asking price.
Rightmove’s September data shows that the number of homes available for sale is at a 12-year high for this time of year, while buyer enquiries are 9% lower than a year ago.
That means buyers have choice — and sellers need to compete.
Earlier Rightmove research also found that properties requiring an asking-price reduction took an average of 127 days to find a buyer, compared with 36 days for homes that did not require a reduction.
The message is clear: being in a comparatively strong regional market does not mean sellers can simply add an optimistic price tag and expect buyers to follow.
Accurate valuation, presentation and marketing remain crucial.
What Could Happen Next?
Rightmove originally entered 2026 expecting national asking prices to rise.
However, conditions have changed during the year.
Its updated September forecast now suggests average asking prices nationally could finish 2026 somewhere between 0% and 2% lower, reflecting changing mortgage-rate expectations, wider economic conditions and uncertainty surrounding the forthcoming Budget.
September provided some improvement, with average asking prices nationally increasing 0.7% month-on-month to £367,440. However, they remained 0.8% below September 2025 levels.
Against that backdrop, the North West’s 1.7% annual growth remains noteworthy.
It does not mean prices will continue rising at the same rate, but it demonstrates why looking at regional and local conditions rather than national headlines alone is so important.
What Does This Mean for You?
If You’re Buying
The North West continues to offer comparatively strong affordability against many parts of southern England.
There is also plenty of choice in the wider market, meaning buyers do not necessarily need to rush. Getting your finances in order, understanding your budget and researching individual areas can put you in a stronger negotiating position.
With mortgage rates still elevated, understanding the monthly cost of borrowing is particularly important.
If You’re Selling
Demand is still there, and the North West is performing more strongly than several southern regions, but buyers have plenty of choice.
Getting your asking price right from the outset is therefore more important than ever.
A realistic valuation combined with strong presentation and marketing can help your property stand out and reduce the risk of sitting on the market or requiring a later price reduction.
If You’re a Landlord
The North West rental market continues to provide reasons for cautious optimism, with Rightmove recording the strongest regional rental growth during 2025.
However, landlords need to consider the complete financial picture, including mortgage costs, taxation, maintenance, compliance and changing rental legislation.
If You’re an Investor
The North West remains worth watching because of its combination of relative affordability, rental demand and longer-term growth potential.
The strongest opportunities are unlikely to be found simply by looking for the cheapest property.
Location, tenant demand, property condition, rental yield, financing costs and future development all need to be considered.
The Redrose View — North West Property Market Could Continue to Outperform in 2026
The latest figures reinforce something we see every day: property is local.
National headlines can make the housing market sound like one single story, but the reality can be very different from one region — and even one town — to another.
The North West continues to demonstrate greater resilience than several southern markets, with Rightmove recording 1.7% annual asking-price growth in September 2026, compared with falls across London, the South East and South West.
For buyers, sellers, landlords and investors, however, the key is not simply whether the North West is “outperforming”.
It is about understanding your particular property, your local market and your individual circumstances.
At Redrose Estate Agents, our local knowledge covers Chorley, Leyland, Buckshaw Village, Euxton, Whittle-le-Woods and the surrounding areas. Whether you are thinking about selling, buying, letting or investing, we are here to provide practical advice based on what is happening in the local market.
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Copyright Redrose Estate Agents – North West Property Market Could Continue to Outperform in 2026
North West Property Market Could Continue to Outperform in 2026