Average House Prices in Greater Manchester (2026)

As Manchester cements its claim as England’s second city, its metropolitan county of Greater Manchester has quickly become one of the most sought after areas to live in the United Kingdom. This has had a direct impact on the average house prices across the region. 

From families to commuters, buyers of all types are recognising the regional importance of investing here. But with ten boroughs to choose from, it’s important to understand how and why prices fluctuate across the county so you can make an informed buying decision. 

In this blog, we’ll unpack the average house prices across the Greater Manchester property market to give you a clearer picture of which areas match your budget and living requirements. 

At JonSimon, our Greater Manchester estate agents provide an honest, reliable service that makes you feel at home, giving you the peace of mind and confidence to make that big move the right one.  

What is the average house price in Greater Manchester?

According to statistics from early 2026, the average house price in Greater Manchester is £268,000. Prices naturally fluctuate from borough to borough, with highs of £382,000 in Trafford and lows of £190,000 in Wigan. Take a look at this breakdown for a quick regional overview. 

Are house prices in Greater Manchester increasing?

House prices across Greater Manchester have steadily increased by approximately 3-4% over the past year. Whilst this affects affordability for first-time buyers, the forecast for the year ahead predicts house prices will continue to rise. In other words, if you buy now, it may be cheaper than if you wait. 

Meanwhile, for second-time buyers or house-owners living in Greater Manchester, this presents an opportunity to move further up the property ladder and take advantage of lower house prices in different regions. Let’s spotlight a handful of those to give you a clearer picture.  

Why is Wigan one of England’s property hotspots?

Wigan is Greater Manchester’s most westerly borough with a strong industrial heritage. Over the years, key historical landmarks like Wigan Pier and the old canal-side mills have been reinvented in line with the town’s shift to modern culture and residential living. All the while, retaining its rich authenticity and connection to the arts at its core. 

Direct bus and rail networks keep Wigan seamlessly connected to Manchester city centre and are utilised by residents and commuters alike. Combine this with strong buyer demand, steady growth and high affordability, and it’s easy to see why Wigan is considered as one of the country’s top-performing property markets.

Average house price breakdown as of January 2026:

• Average house price – £190,000, up 2% from January 2025. 
• Average first-time buyer price – £171,000, up 2.2% from January 2025.
• Average mortgage-buyer price – £193,000, up 2% from January 2025.

With constant new developments and regeneration, a rich community spirit and the lowest average house price in Greater Manchester, Wigan is proving an attractive buying prospect for locals and out-of-towners alike. 

Is Trafford Greater Manchester’s most sought-after borough?

At the other end of the price spectrum sits Trafford. Strong cultural and commerce attractions like The Trafford Centre and Old Trafford stadium, as well as significant town-centre regenerations in the likes of Altrincham, Sale and Stretford, arguably makes Trafford Greater Manchester’s most attractive place to live. 

In fact, Altrincham was named Best Place to Live 2026 in the Northwest by The Sunday Times. And with its rapid and direct connection to Manchester city centre via Metrolink, it’s no surprise that average house prices range between £550,000 to over £700,000. Meanwhile, areas like Urmston are in high-demand amongst families with its combination of spacious living, quality school proximity and better affordability compared with other Trafford towns like Altrincham. 

Average house price breakdown as of January 2026:

• Average house price – £382,000, up 1.8% from January 2025. 
• Average first-time buyer price – £309,000, up 2.1% from January 2025.
• Average mortgage-buyer price – £399,000, up 1.9% from January 2025.

The mixture of dynamic suburban living, green spaces and rapid transport links to the city centre and surrounding attractions make Trafford one of the places to be in the country, not just in Greater Manchester. 

What makes Bury a great place to buy in 2026?

Bury is an historic town with a famous market and food culture that attracts visitors from the city centre and beyond. Meanwhile, the surrounding borough boasts large outdoor green spaces that pull hikers, nature lovers and music fanatics alike – namely Heaton Park and Holcombe Hill. 

Similar to Trafford, Bury offers an attractive mix of the great outdoors, quality family homes and seamless access to Manchester city centre via various Metrolink stations. Unlike Trafford, however, the average house price here sits in the mid-range when compared with other boroughs in the region. 

Average house price breakdown as of January 2026:

• Average house price – £239,000, up 4.5% from January 2025. 
• Average first-time buyer price – £211,000 up 4.6% from January 2025.
• Average mortgage-buyer price – £243,000, up 4.6% from January 2025.

Average house prices in this borough are rising more quickly than other areas. Speak to our Ramsbottom and Radcliffe estate agents today for honest, expert advice to take advantage of the best deals before future increases.  

Find out some of the best places to live in Bury over on our blog. 

Rochdale is the place for first-time buyers this year

Birthplace of the modern co-operative movement, Rochdale is an originator for economic and social progress. With these historical roots driving it forward, the borough is undergoing an urban evolution that builds upon its idyllic setting alongside the Pennines. In addition, major local regeneration and direct transport links to the city centre make the borough a popular buying destination for families and commuters alike. 

The average house price in Rochdale is the third lowest amongst Greater Manchester’s boroughs with highly attractive first-time buyer prices. Terraced properties in particular are in high demand and significantly more affordable than other property types in the area. 

Average house price breakdown as of January 2026:

• Average house price – £207,000, up 5.6% from January 2025. 
• Average first-time buyer price – £187,000, up 5.9% from January 2025.
• Average mortgage-buyer price – £210,000, up 5.7% from January 2025.

Average house prices here are rising at an ever quicker rate than Bury, as first-time buyers and commuters flock to take advantage of its affordability and accessibility to Manchester. Buying now could help you avoid future price rises while taking advantage of a higher sell-on valuation in future.

Find the right price for you in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester is a metropolitan county that’s got it all. Suburban living and green spaces meet urban regeneration and seamless city centre connectivity, creating a region that all kinds of demographics want to call home. 

With economic growth soaring and more people moving to Manchester, the ten boroughs surrounding the city centre are developing quickly to meet demand. As a result, average house prices are rising, which makes now an ideal time to make your move. 

Whether you’re a commuter, first-time buyer, young professional or growing family, there’s a place and a price in Greater Manchester for you, and JonSimon can help you find it.

We’re here to make your buying journey an enjoyable one, using our knowledge of the local area and giving honest advice to help your budget go further towards landing your perfect home. Ready to get the ball rolling? Get in touch with our expert estate agents today.

Research further before making the big move to Greater Manchester:

• 5 Underrated Best Areas to Live in Manchester | JonSimon Estate Agents 
• Living in Bacup: 2026 Area Guide | JonSimon Estate Agents 

FAQs

How much will house prices rise in Greater Manchester in 2026?

House prices in Greater Manchester are forecast to rise by around 3% to 4.5% in 2026. This is due to a combination of high demand, limited supply and economic growth. 

Is it a good time to buy a house in Greater Manchester?

Yes, Greater Manchester is projected to see some of the highest price growth in the UK over the next few years. Buying a house now will help you take advantage of that.

Is Greater Manchester an affordable place to buy a house?

Currently, the county sits way below the national average at around £268,000. For comparison, the most expensive county to buy a house is Greater London at £650,000, while the cheapest is Durham at £165,000.

Should first-time buyers buy a house in 2026?

2026 is considered a good time for first-time buyers to buy a house due to improving affordability, post-Budget confidence and lenders easing their criteria, meaning you can borrow more and access better mortgage deals. 

What can increase property value in an area?

There are a number of environmental and location factors that can increase average house prices including: good transport links, low noise pollution, low crime, close proximity to good schools, good parking, good air quality, proximity to nature/green spaces and good amenities.