Zoopla has crunched the latest data to compile a list of the property markets across the country with the best prospects for the year ahead.
Zoopla expects house prices across the UK to rise by 1.5% on average this year, but says some areas could see much greater growth than others.
It’s taken into account a range of data to determine the areas with the best prospects for 2026, including average asking prices, the time taken for properties to sell, and the proportion of properties which have had their asking price cut significantly.
Scotland dominates the list of predicted UK property hotspots, occupying nine of the top 10 spaces.
But within England, it is the North West where house prices are expected to rise most rapidly in 2026. The region is home to the top two property hotspots - Wigan and Liverpool - and six of the top 10.
Zoopla says this is because house prices in the North West are more affordable than elsewhere in the UK and there ‘remains a general scarcity of homes for sale’.
Wigan has a ‘unique charm’, according to Zoopla, thanks to its combination of ‘picturesque green spaces, stunning landscapes, and historic architecture’.
Its affordability, ‘abundant’ cultural offerings and easy access to Manchester and Liverpool make it a ‘vibrant and desirable place to live every day’.
One person wrote: “Wigan, if you choose the right places, can be quiet and peaceful, and beautiful. You’re in the middle of everywhere - St Helens, Liverpool, Leigh, Warrington - and surrounded by shopping areas, parks and flashes.”
Wigan and Liverpool were both also recently named by Lloyd’s as two of the UK’s property hotspots.
Below are the 6 areas of the North West where house prices are expected to rise most in 2026, according to Zoopla, listed in reverse order.
1. Warrington
Warrington is 10th on Zoopla's list of areas in England where house prices are expected to rise most in 2026. The average asking price there is £231,300, prices have risen by 2.9% in the last year, homes take 37 days to sell on average, 9% of homes have been on the market for 6 months or more, and 23% of properties have had their asking price cut by 5% or more. | SakhanPhotography - stock.adobe.com
2. Manchester
Manchester is 9th on Zoopla's list of areas in England where house prices are expected to rise most in 2026. The average asking price there is £224,700, prices have risen by 1.9% in the last year, homes take 30 days to sell on average, 9% of homes have been on the market for 6 months or more, and 25% of properties have had their asking price cut by 5% or more. | Chris Chambers - stock.adobe.com
3. Oldham
Oldham is 8th on Zoopla's list of areas in England where house prices are expected to rise most in 2026. The average asking price there is £184,000, prices have risen by 4.4% in the last year, homes take 37 days to sell on average, 10% of homes have been on the market for 6 months or more, and 22% of properties have had their asking price cut by 5% or more. | Google Photo: Google
4. Carlisle
Carlisle is 6th on Zoopla's list of areas in England where house prices are expected to rise most in 2026. The average house price there is £184,500, prices have risen by 4.0% in the last year, homes take 27 days to sell on average, 9% of homes have been on the market for 6 months or more, and 22% of properties have had their asking price cut by 5% or more. | Google Photo: Google