Despite regional differences, UK house prices continue to rise, with the North West showing some of the most positive results.
The property market of 2025 has been one of considerable change, matched by impressive resilience.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows a broadly positive year-on-year outlook for key market indicators, such as House Prices and Property Transactions, despite a challenging year. (1)
Buyers have faced higher interest rates, changing Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) rules, and now an uncertain Autumn Budget, which has led to a cautious approach to the market with noticeable declines in sales in some areas.
However, the overall uptick in UK property sales and modest yearly growth in house prices suggest that buyers who understand the value of their property and sell with realistic expectations can achieve good results in the current environment.
The UK Property Market
The UK property market has been typified by cautious optimism and resilience in recent years, with average house prices tentatively rising despite significant regional variations in performance.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) continues to show broadly positive house price inflation throughout 2025, even if the rate of this growth has been less consistent in recent months.
As of August 2025, the average house price in the UK stands at £272,995. This represents a rise of 0.8% compared to last month, and a rise of 3.0% compared to last year.
However, with higher interest rates and an Autumn Budget on the horizon, Cheshire sellers will be contemplating the state of the market and wondering whether now is a good time to sell their home.
Other Market Indicators
Other indicators across the UK suggest a resilient property market, with mortgage approvals and mortgage transactions also showing slow, but positive year-on-year growth.
Although a 17.8% increase in quarterly Residential Transactions suggests that property sales have increased in recent months after a challenging year.
During the same period, Gross Mortgage Lending also increased by 17.1%, with a significant increase of 28.0% annually.
While this increase could indicate an uptick in property transactions, it is also likely reflective of homeowners facing higher interest payments when renewing their mortgages, as the annual increase in mortgage approvals is only 0.5%.
This means that the overall picture is one of continued modest growth for the housing market, with higher interest rates limiting the number of buyers purchasing new properties, even if overall demand remains positive.
Cheshire House Prices
In contrast to the modest house price growth seen across the UK generally, the outlook for sellers in Cheshire is more positive.
According to the ONS, the average house price in Cheshire East was £302,000 in August 2025 (provisional), up 7.6% from August 2024. This was higher than the rise in the North West of England (4.5%) during the same period. (2)
Meller Braggins Core Areas
A more detailed look at the core areas served by Meller Braggins reveals the nuanced trend toward cautious buyer demand that has typified the property market across the North West and Cheshire in recent months.
Property prices are broadly increasing, while the number of homes sold does appear to be falling as buyers react to challenging market conditions.
However, there is encouraging news for sellers from the RICS UK Residential Market Survey (3), September 2025, in which responding industry representatives reported a surge in new buyer enquiries across the North West.
This is a notable exception to much of the rest of the UK, where demand has fallen for several months.
We’ve noted that while the market has slowed due to higher interest rates and greater market uncertainty, demand from buyers has remained strong.
The caveat is that buyers are increasingly cautious, meaning that sellers need to think carefully about their asking prices and marketing strategy to achieve a sale.
Altrincham
Over the last 12 months, the average sales price in Altrincham was £447,170. The total value of sales was £534,345,608 (4).
22% of sales in the past 12 months were flats, achieving an average sales price of £243,607. Houses achieved an average price of £533,362.
The overall market for property in Altrincham has been broadly flat over the past 12 months, although the region appears to have been shielded from a wider fall in property transactions.
This is in part due to the demand for flats valued at around £250,000. This suggests that the region will be popular with first-time buyers, young professionals and landlords over the coming months.
Knutsford
Over the last 12 months, the average sales price in Knutsford was £481,083. The total value of sales was £209,502,805.
12% of sales in the past 12 months were flats, achieving an average sales price of £214,101. Houses achieved an average price of £538,064.
With less demand for properties in the lower end of the property market (such as flats), Knutsford has experienced a greater reduction in the number of overall property sales.
The area remains highly desirable, however, meaning that with house prices largely keeping pace with local trends, sellers can achieve sales at a good price, provided that they are able to market to the most engaged buyers.
Macclesfield
Over the last 12 months, the average sales price in Macclesfield was £256,195. The total value of sales was £227,972,443.
12% of sales in the past 12 months were flats, achieving an average sales price of £158,278. Houses achieved an average price of £273,362.
Much like Knutsford, Macclesfield has experienced a fall in property transactions, but also a more muted rate of house price growth.
With less demand for smaller properties like flats, buyers who wish to live near Macclesfield may be looking at less expensive homes close to the town to avoid paying a higher premium to live in this desirable location.
Sellers will need to think carefully about their selling price and work with a local estate agent who has the right knowledge to market their home to the most invested buyers.
Wilmslow
Over the last 12 months, the average sales price in Wilmslow was £425,589. The total value of sales was £343,023,360.
22% of sales in the past 12 months were flats, achieving an average sales price of £200,067. Houses achieved an average price of £528,021.
The property market in Wilmslow is currently somewhat varied.
Expensive properties in the upper-quartile of the market are experiencing the same cautious approach from buyers that is prevalent elsewhere, while smaller properties, such as flats, continue to drive a healthy percentage of sales.
Depending on the type and value of the property they are selling, vendors will need to ensure that they market to the most appropriate audience.
Likewise, sellers with homes in higher price ranges will need to price tactfully to ensure that they can attract a more cautious market.
The Autumn Budget
In addition to existing challenges, vendors selling into the current market will also need to consider the potential impact of the upcoming Autumn Budget.
There has been considerable speculation about what could be announced in the budget, especially around future property tax changes.
Given the government's commitment to not increasing Income Tax, National Insurance or VAT, (although, now even these ‘hard lines’ seem to be in question), some have suggested that the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, might focus on other sources of potential revenue.
These could include several key changes for property taxpayers. One reported proposal is the replacement of stamp duty and council tax with a single annual levy on homes above a certain value. (5)
This would likely have a heavier impact on high-value regions such as London or the South East.
Further speculation is that CGT will be targeted by the budget. One suggestion is that those selling their primary residence may also be required to pay tax on the sale of their home.
How this will be implemented, if it is announced at all, is unknown, but for vendors looking to sell in the near future, it's a definite motivation to ensure that their transaction is completed as soon as possible.
Contact Meller Braggins Today
As the property market continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly important to find the best supporting agent to help you secure the maximum value of your home.
The UK property market has shown significant resilience throughout 2025, but sellers continue to face challenges as they adapt to higher interest rates and ongoing changes to property taxation.
Meller Braggins has been helping Cheshire residents buy and sell property since 1836. Today, we offer a unique director-led approach to selling some of Cheshire’s most exclusive properties, managing every aspect of the sales process from listing and marketing to completion.
Whether you are buying or selling, renting, or looking for advice on your mortgage, our local experts are ready and waiting to hear from you.
Sources:
1 – Private rent and house prices, UK: October 2025
2 - ONS House Prices, Cheshire East
3 - RICS UK Residential Market Survey
4 - Further sources: Dataloft by PriceHubble