Three regional towns to watch across the North West

March 16, 2026

The UK has long been a country where the property market has shown resilience during periods of global economic uncertainty. This therefore positions the UK as a safe investment hub for both domestic and international investors seeking to secure their future.

The North West is the region showing the most amount of growth and is attracting huge amounts of investment. But with such growth in a vast area, it raises the question: where should investors be looking?

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The North West's success

It's no secret that Manchester has been the anchor in the region's success over the last decade. Coupled with the neighbouring triumph in Liverpool, the two have uplifted the region into a recognisable economic force.

However, due to these two pillars, the surrounding regional areas are now benefiting from the success and are becoming increasingly successful in their own right.

These smaller regional areas usually offer lower entry points and more room for growth than some of the more established ones. Read on to learn more about some of the top regional areas you should keep an eye on.

The historic port town of Birkenhead

Birkenhead is a historic industrial town located on the Wirral Peninsula, right across the water from the city of Liverpool. Known for its 19th-century shipyards and for being the site of the first public park.

Now, Birkenhead is subject to one of the most exciting regeneration projects in the UK, Wirral Waters. With plans to transform the left bank of the River Mersey into an internationally renowned destination. The £4.5bn project will turn brownfield land into a sustainable waterfront.

The Wirral Waters project seeks to reinvent the area from its industrial past into a new economic hub. With thousands of new homes being built, including four new neighbourhoods and thousands of permanent jobs being created. Progress is well underway on Miller's Quey, a £130m project scheduled for completion in 2025, which will deliver 500 residential units.

A commuter town on the rise

Stockport was recently named the best commuter town in the UK by The Guardian. South East of Manchester, the area has flourished into a desirable location for young professionals and families.

The Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) is at the forefront of driving a lot of investment, particularly into the town centre. The scheme includes £1bn worth of transformations across the town, with 1,200 homes already delivered and more to come.

High demand for property in Stockport has also seen average house prices and rents rise. The Office for National Statistics showed that monthly private rent rose to an average of £1,084 in January 2026. Up 4.9% from 2025, with house prices up 1.8%.

Huge regeneration, a booming independent food scene, affordable housing, and direct train links to Manchester make it a standout option for investors seeking the next Manchester alternative.

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Huddersfield as a student town

Huddersfield is a market town and was once a major centre for the Industrial Revolution, home to over 3,000 listed buildings. It features a prominent university and is ideally located between Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield.

With approximately 20,000 students, the town has emerged as a significant university hub. The central location of the University of Huddersfield's campus offers students a walkable environment. Rents for students are significantly lower than the national average, enticing a large pool of students wanting affordable housing.

Over £1bn is currently being invested into the town to improve connectivity, infrastructure, education and business opportunities. The “Huddersfield Blueprint” is a ten-year plan to become a busy, family-friendly town centre that stays open for more hours of the day.

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Final thoughts

Whilst Manchester and Liverpool are still great options for investors, it's worth diversifying your portfolio into regional towns and cities to benefit from different factors. Whether that be lower entry points before major regeneration happens, or making the most of an emerging student hub.

Staying ahead and identifying upcoming markets is where investors can make the most returns.

If you would like to start your investment journey or want to diversify, contact us today, where one of our dedicated advisors will guide you through the process.

Three regional towns to watch across the North West

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