House prices in parts of northern England could see an uptick of up to 2% this spring, according to property expert Mish Liyanage, CEO of the Mistoria Group.
Liyanage predicts that while the overall market faces a “complex few months,” the North is set to benefit the most. In contrast, some areas in the South and South East may experience a slight decline of around 1-2% in the coming months.
He anticipates steady price increases in key northern locations such as Manchester, Liverpool, Bolton, Cheshire, and parts of North Wales.
“The next few months will be dynamic, with regional variations playing a significant role. I expect house prices to remain largely stable through April and May,” said Liyanage.
“We’re seeing early signs of downward pressure in high-value southern markets, whereas the North West continues to show resilience. Demand for quality properties in cities like Manchester, Salford, Bolton, and Liverpool is keeping values buoyant, especially as rental yields remain attractive. Overall, I foresee a modest market adjustment driven by affordability constraints and tighter lending, rather than any major downturn.”
Liyanage believes that strong rental demand, infrastructure developments, and comparatively lower property prices will help sustain the northern market.
Despite inflation being projected to fall below 3% by May, the Bank of England’s decision to hold its base interest rate at 4.75% continues to dampen buyer enthusiasm, pushing many first-time buyers toward the rental sector.
“Landlords and investors who embrace regulatory changes, leverage local market insights, and modernise their properties will continue to see strong, sustainable returns,” Liyanage added.
“The coming months will present both challenges and opportunities for landlords, investors, and letting agents.”
Reflecting on the stamp duty concession deadline, Liyanage noted its impact in accelerating transactions.
“This has prompted many buyers to move quickly, but affordability concerns remain a key issue. The real test will be how the market responds once the concession expires. While some buyers may hesitate, demand for well-priced, well-presented homes—particularly those suited for remote work—remains solid. In high-demand areas, interest is likely to hold steady.”
