Finding a place to put down roots is not the easiest, however a recent study has unveiled the fastest (and slowest) moving property markets in the North West, so you know exactly where to look and be quick before homes are snapped up. According to property website Zoopla, the North West accounts for four of the top ten fastest moving markets in England and Wales, and one of the areas in the region where properties are selling pretty rapidly can be found in Greater Manchester.
Topping the North West list this year is Halton in Cheshire, with homes currently taking an average of 16 days to sell and average house prices being £167,500. The area is well connected to major cities like Liverpool and Manchester, with good transport links and airports nearby, making it a popular choice for commuters looking for a slower pace of life.
Copeland, an area of the west coast of the Lake District with stunning landscapes, rich history and a unique cultural heritage, came in second place. Here, homes sell for an average of £149,500 and it takes an average of just 19 days to sell.
Coming in at third place as one of the fastest moving property markets in the North West region is the Greater Manchester town of Oldham, with agreed sales at an average of 20 days after listing and an average house price of £187,400. Zoopla praised the area for being “surrounded by natural beauty”, including the Peak District and for having a good choice of schools, therefore making it a popular area for families. Aside from being home to the town of Oldham, the Greater Manchester borough is also home to areas such as Chadderton, Failsworth, Shaw and Crompton, Saddleworth, Royton, Glodwick and Werneth.
Top ten fastest moving property markets in the North West, according to Zoopla
| Local authority | Days on the market – May 2025 | Days on the market – May 2024 | Avg house price |
| Halton | 16 | 31 | £167,500 |
| Copeland | 19 | 23 | £149,500 |
| Oldham | 20 | 30 | £187,400 |
| Chorley | 22 | 27 | £211,400 |
| Carlisle | 22 | 24 | £165,400 |
| Knowsley | 23 | 23 | £161,200 |
| Hyndburn | 24 | 28 | £129,600 |
| Preston | 26 | 26 | £162,000 |
| Warrington | 26 | 31 | £238,700 |
| St. Helens | 26 | 30 | £170,400 |
However, when it comes to the top ten slowest markets in the North West, Zoopla said these have remained fairly consistent over the last 12 months. These markets can take an average of 35 days to sell, 8 days longer than the average in the region.
The property website said factors such as an increase in supply (particularly for those coastal areas where council tax has doubled on second homes) and incorrect pricing for the local market could be impacting selling speed. Homes in Wyre, an area on the North West coast, take an average of 47 days to sell, with Fylde, a rural area close to Blackpool, taking 35 days to sell. Plus, homes in the Greater Manchester area of Trafford take an average of 30 days to sell and are sold for average of £349,300 – almost £162,000 more than homes in Oldham.
Top ten slowest-moving property markets in the North West, according to Zoopla
| Local authority | Avg, days on the market – May 2025 | Avg. days on the market – May 2024 | Sold STC* price |
| Wyre | 47 | 34 | £197,300 |
| Fylde | 38 | 33 | £230,200 |
| Lancaster | 36 | 32 | £202,300 |
| Blackpool | 35 | 36 | £124,300 |
| West Lancashire | 35 | 43 | £221,100 |
| Cheshire West and Chester | 34 | 37 | £252,800 |
| South Lakeland | 34 | 32 | £311.300 |
| Cheshire East | 32 | 32 | £288,800 |
| Pendle | 30 | 40 | £143,700 |
| Trafford | 30 | 26 | £349,300 |
Richard Donnell, Executive Director at Zoopla, comments: “The housing market in the North West is the strongest market in England with the highest level of house price inflation and more sales being agreed. A growing economy and more affordable house prices is supporting activity and leading to faster sales times. Changes to how banks assess mortgage affordability in recent weeks have provided home buyers across the UK with an extra 20% borrowing capacity which will support the market in the second half of 2025.
“While activity levels are higher, home buyers remain price sensitive so those serious about selling their home need to set the price carefully having taken advice from local estate agents. Zoopla’s MyHome tool provides homeowners with a home value estimate and tracks the value of your home over time as well as helping owners understand the level of demand in the local area and how this might change at different price levels. Getting the price right is the secret to securing a successful home move.”