North West in the lead: fastest-moving markets in 2025

North West outpaces rest of UK

The North West continues to lead the way when it comes to speed of sale, with homes spending just 27 days on the market. This is compared to the national average of 31 days across England and Wales

59% of properties in the North West sold within the first 30 days, demonstrating the region's strong buyer demand and powerful seller motivation.

Halton, Copeland and Oldham: markets to watch

4 of the top 10 fastest moving markets in England and Wales are in the North West, with Halton topping the list. Homes here are snapped up in just 16 days, down from 31 days last year. At nearly half the time, this could be a key talking point for local agents when speaking to potential buyers who are looking for a quick sale.

Copeland follows at 19 days, and Oldham at 20 days. These areas combine affordability with strong commuter links, which helps attract serious buyers.

Top 10 fastest moving markets in the North West

Get pricing right or risk delays

Homes that are priced above market expectations are taking longer to sell. The slowest-moving markets in the North West average 35 days to secure a sale, with Wyre in Lancashire topping the list at 47 days.

This reinforces the importance of setting the right price from day one. For agents, this is a key opportunity to demonstrate market expertise and deliver value to sellers.

Top 10 slowest moving markets in the North West

Smaller homes are selling fastest

When it comes to property type, two and three-bed homes are leading the way, selling in 26 days on average. 1 and 2-bed flats follow closely behind at 27 days.

For agents, these insights can help focus marketing strategies, set realistic client expectations, and influence portfolio mix. Larger homes with 4+ beds continue to take longer to sell (averaging at 33 days), so vendors in this bracket may need extra guidance and support.

Fastest-selling homes by type in the North West

A strong outlook

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.” 

Sarah Cartlidge, Branch Manager at Fraser Reeves comments: “We’ve seen fantastic growth in the St Helens area over the past few years, and particularly in our agency’s town of Newton Le Willows. Ideally positioned for commuters all over the North West, our team often take enquiries from buyers wanting to move here from outside of the local area; a big difference from just 10 years ago when most buyers would have already been living in the town. Convenience and connectivity aside, so many towns in the North West region, including our own, have greatly improved with more cosmopolitan amenities and local High Streets thriving, giving a boost to the area’s economy and making this an excellent place to live and put down roots for years to come.”