Manchester posts Britain’s strongest house price growth over the past decade

Manchester has led house price growth among Britain’s major cities over the last 10 years, with average asking prices up about 63% since 2016. The gains underscore the city’s economic expansion, ongoing regeneration and sustained housing demand across both sales and rental markets.

Why it matters: - Manchester’s decade-long price growth points to continued strength in one of the UK’s most active regional housing markets. - The trend matters for buyers, landlords and lenders because rising prices, strong rental demand and regional economic growth can shape affordability and investment returns.

What happened: - Recent market research found Manchester recorded the strongest house price growth of any major UK city over the past decade. - Average asking prices in Manchester have risen by about 63% since 2016. - Average asking prices increased from around £160,000 in 2016 to more than £260,000. - Growth has extended beyond the city centre into Greater Manchester locations including Levenshulme, Atherton, Droylsden and Failsworth.

The details: - Manchester has become one of the UK’s largest regional economic centres. - Investment has continued across financial services, technology, media, healthcare and advanced manufacturing. - Infrastructure projects, commercial development and employment growth have contributed to population growth and stronger housing demand. - Demand has remained strong in both the owner-occupier and rental markets. - Manchester has one of the UK’s largest student populations. - The city also continues to attract graduates and young professionals. - Stuart Marshall, CEO of Liquid Expat Mortgages, said Manchester’s growth has been supported by economic development, regeneration and a diverse employment base. - Marshall said these factors have helped maintain demand across a range of property types. - Manchester has recorded rental yields that compare favorably with many other major UK cities, Marshall said. - Rental demand remains an important factor for investors alongside property values and financing costs, Marshall said.

Between the lines: - The data suggests Manchester’s housing market is being driven by fundamentals rather than short-term speculation. - The North West more broadly is drawing investor attention as regeneration, business investment and population growth lift regional demand. - Cities including Salford, Stockport, Preston and Liverpool have also benefited from those forces. - Lower purchase prices than London continue to attract domestic and overseas buyers. - Investor activity across northern England has remained relatively strong, and rental yields there have generally exceeded those in many southern regions.

What’s next: - UK expats and foreign national investors will continue to have access to specialist buy-to-let mortgage products, though lending criteria vary by provider. - Mortgage eligibility can depend on residency status, country of residence, source and currency of income, credit profile and expected rental income. - Liquid Expat Mortgages says specialist advisers can help international applicants understand available products and lender requirements. - Manchester and the wider North West are likely to remain key targets for buyers and investors if demand, regeneration and employment growth continue.

The bottom line: - Manchester’s house price surge reinforces its role as a leading UK regional property market, with the city’s economy and rental demand still pulling in buyers from the UK and abroad.