The North-West property market is significantly outperforming national price growth trends, according to new analysis published by UK Property News ahead of the North West National Landlord Investment Show in Manchester.

Zoopla’s latest House Price Index shows North-West property values grew by 3.1% year-on-year, compared to a national average growth rate of just 0.8%. Broader House Price Index figures reflect an even stronger regional trajectory, with average North-West values reaching £221,000 - up 4.4% year-on-year.

In contrast, Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows Manchester city itself experiencing a more moderate pace of expansion. The average house price in Manchester stood at £252,000 in July 2026, representing a 1.2% annual increase.

Regional growth shifts beyond city centre

Over the long term, Manchester has proved to be one of the UK's most consistent growth engines. Driven by extensive regeneration, economic investment, and corporate relocations, the city has delivered average annual capital appreciation of approximately 4.7% since 2005 - outstripping the 3.2% long-term averages recorded across England, the wider UK, and the North-West region.

However, the current lower growth rate in Manchester relative to the wider region indicates that capital growth momentum has moved into outlying towns and broader North-West sub-markets.

Expert analysis: Local data critical for landlords

Addressing the findings, property analyst Kate Faulkner OBE notes that headline UK figures risk masking significant regional opportunities and local market shifts for investors and letting agents.

Faulkner says:

"The difference in house price growth between the North-West as a region and Manchester is a clear example of why property price averages don’t tell the full story. For buyers and sellers, relying on a national or even regional average can give a very different picture from what is actually happening to prices in their local area.

"For landlords and investors, understanding those local differences is even more important when assessing property values, rental demand and potential returns. And it affects tenants too. Just as house price growth varies significantly from one area to another, so do rents and rental growth."

Industry gathers in Manchester

The property analysis arrives as landlords, property developers, tax specialists, and letting agents gather for today’s National Landlord Investment Show  at the Concorde Conference Centre in Manchester.

The free-to-attend event features more than 30 educational seminars addressing property tax, legal compliance, buy-to-let finance, and portfolio management. The schedule also includes a dedicated session on the Greater Manchester Good Landlord Charter, providing regulatory guidance for rental operators across the region.