Five signs that show the property market is bouncing back

THE property market is bouncing back and the north-west of England is set to benefit most before the end of the year.
That’s the view of a leading property expert who also believes stability within the mortgage market is helping turbocharge sales.
Mish Liyanage, founder of Mistoria Estate Agents, thinks there are five main factors driving the recovery.
He said: “Despite a challenging start to the year, the UK property market is showing clear signs of resilience — and in some areas, significant momentum.
New data out this week reveals that regional markets, especially in Greater Manchester and the North West, are outperforming national trends and setting the stage for a stronger Q4.
I believe the outlook for the remainder of 2025 is increasingly positive — and there are a number of reasons why the market is on track to strengthen between now and year-end.”
Here, Mr Liyanage outlines the five factors he thinks indicate a property market recovery is in the offing.

Greater Manchester Leads National Growth – Over 90% in a Decade
Greater Manchester has seen house prices rise over 90% in the last 10 years, more than any other region in the UK. With strong demand from first-time buyers, investors, and families, and a robust employment base, the city continues to outperform expectations. This trend is likely to continue, especially with significant infrastructure investment across Salford, Bolton, and central Manchester.
House Prices Are Stabilising Nationally
After a period of adjustment, Nationwide reports that UK house prices have increased by 0.9% year-on-year, and Northern regions are leading the charge. This price resilience is restoring confidence for both buyers and sellers, signalling a potential turning point as we move into the final quarter of the year.
Improving Mortgage Landscape
With UK inflation easing to under 4%, lenders are beginning to reduce mortgage rates. Some fixed-rate products are now dipping below 5%, opening the door for more buyers to re-enter the market. As affordability improves, especially in northern cities where property values are still relatively accessible, transaction volumes are likely to pick up before the end of 2025.
Rental Demand Fuelling Investor Confidence
The North West continues to attract buy-to-let landlords due to soaring rental demand. In Manchester and Salford, demand for HMOs and student properties is outpacing supply, driving strong rental yields and shorter void periods. Investors seeking long-term returns and lower entry costs are gravitating towards these regions, contributing to stronger buyer demand.
Strong Fundamentals in Northern Cities
The combination of affordability, regeneration, and infrastructure development such as the £5bn Liverpool Waters and Knowledge Quarter projects, is enhancing the long-term appeal of Northern cities. For homeowners, it means capital growth potential. For investors, it offers income stability. These fundamentals are likely to drive sustained activity as confidence builds through Q4.
Mr Liyanage concluded: “The UK housing market is far from stagnant. Instead, it is evolving, rebalancing, and quietly gaining strength, especially in Greater Manchester and the wider North West. With record house price growth over the last decade, stabilising mortgage conditions, and continued rental demand, there are clear signs the market is well-positioned for a strong finish to 2025.