As the UK housing market navigates a period of economic uncertainty, property expert Mish Liyanage, CEO of the Mistoria Group, offers a positive outlook for the North of England.
In a recent interview with GB News, Liyanage highlighted that cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, Bolton, and regions like Cheshire and parts of North Wales are poised for potential house price increases of up to 2% this spring.
Liyanage puts this growth down to sustained demand for good quality properties and attractive rental yields in these areas. He notes that while the overall UK market may see small corrections due to affordability and tighter lending, the North will be resilient. This is particularly true for cities like Manchester and Liverpool where demand is outstripping supply.
Conversely, Mish Liyanage points out that higher-value markets in the South, including parts of London and the South East, may face downward pressure on prices.He suggests that these areas could see price declines of around 1–2%, influenced by affordability challenges and stricter lending criteria.
Despite these challenges, Liyanage emphasises that the market is not heading towards a crash but rather a period of adjustment.
Supporting Liyanage’s insights, recent data from Rightmove indicates that asking prices across the UK have reached a new high, with a 1.4% increase in April 2025, bringing the average to £377,182.This growth is particularly notable in the Midlands and Northern regions, where property prices have achieved new peaks.The data suggests that buyer interest remains strong, driven by more stable mortgage rates and an increased number of property listings.
Further reinforcing the positive trend in the North, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the North West of England experienced the highest house price inflation among English regions, with an 8% increase in the year to February 2025.This growth underscores the region’s appeal to both investors and homebuyers seeking value and potential for appreciation.
Mish Liyanage’s analysis suggests that while the UK housing market faces a complex landscape, the North of England stands out as a region of opportunity. With strong demand, attractive yields, and supportive market conditions, areas like Manchester, Liverpool, and Bolton are well-positioned for continued growth in the coming months.
