Liverpool’s property market is heading into 2026 with more momentum, confidence and activity than many expected. While the national narrative often focuses on market stagnation, rising rates or economic uncertainty, Liverpool continues to demonstrate resilience, fuelled by regeneration, strong rental demand, shifting buyer priorities and one of the youngest populations of any major UK city.
For homeowners thinking about selling in 2026, understanding how these factors influence buyer behaviour is crucial. At Curlett Jones Estates, our Liverpool branch has been analysing the data, speaking with buyers daily and handling both sales and lets across key neighbourhoods, giving us unique, real-time insight into what’s really happening.
This article breaks down the most important trends shaping Liverpool’s market right now, and how sellers can turn them to their advantage.
1. Liverpool House Prices Are Rising Faster Than National Averages
ONS data shows Liverpool’s average house price reached £185,000 in September 2025 – an increase of 9.2% year-on-year. This places Liverpool among the UK’s fastest-growing regional cities, outperforming:
- Greater Manchester
- Leeds
- Sheffield
- Birmingham
The biggest drivers behind this growth include:
- Regeneration zones such as the Baltic Triangle, Knowledge Quarter and Ten Streets
- Strong employment in tech, digital and creative sectors
- University expansion
- Demand from first-time buyers
- Lifestyle relocations from London and the South
For sellers, this upward momentum means two things. 1. Your property may be worth more than you think. 2. Buyer interest remains strong, especially for well-presented homes.
2. Rental Demand Is Surging, Attracting Investors and Driving Competition
Liverpool’s private rental sector saw average rents reach £873 per month in 2025, up 8.9% year-on-year.
This has created a wave of:
- New investors entering the market
- Landlords expanding portfolios
- Buyers seeking rental-ready homes
Neighbourhoods seeing the strongest rental demand include:
- Baltic Triangle
- Ropewalks
- Smithdown Road
- Kensington
- Anfield (regeneration-led demand)
- Georgian Quarter (professional tenants and students)
This increased competition among investors benefits sellers directly, especially those with:
- Apartments
- HMOs
- Newly refurbished homes
- Properties in regeneration zones
3. First-Time Buyer Activity Remains Exceptionally Strong
Liverpool’s first-time buyer market is one of its greatest strengths.
The average FTB price now sits around £171,000, meaning the city remains significantly more affordable than other major UK regions. Combined with:
- Help-to-Buy alternatives
- Mortgage product stability
- Regeneration-driven desirability
…first-time buyers continue to fuel demand for:
- Two-bedroom terraces in Wavertree
- Apartments in the city centre
- Starter homes in Kensington and Fairfield
- New builds across North Liverpool
Homes priced correctly and marketed well can sell within days, sometimes before hitting all portals.
4. Regeneration Remains Liverpool’s Biggest Accelerator
Few UK cities rival Liverpool in terms of active redevelopment. Major projects include:
- The £2bn Knowledge Quarter regeneration
- Baltic Triangle expansion
- Liverpool Waters
- Ten Streets Creative District
- The city centre student district transformation
- Everton Stadium-led North Liverpool investment
For sellers living near regeneration areas, this often translates into:
- Higher valuations
- Shorter time on market
- Investor enquiries
- Premium pricing for modernised homes
The city is also pushing ahead with regeneration despite recently missing out on Government “new towns” funding, signalling continued long-term commitment.
5. What Buyers Are Prioritising in 2026
From our own Liverpool branch data, these are the top priorities for today’s buyers:
A. Proximity to lifestyle hotspots
Including:
- Baltic Triangle bars and restaurants
- Hope Street cultural quarter
- Waterfront attractions
- Smithdown Road independent businesses
B. Ready-made, modern interiors
Buyers want:
- Newly fitted kitchens
- Upgraded bathrooms
- Energy-efficient features
- Turnkey or semi-turnkey homes
C. Strong EPC ratings
With energy costs still a concern, properties with:
- Updated boilers
- Modern insulation
- Quality glazing
…are achieving higher offers.
D. Space for hybrid working
Buyers now seek:
- Spare bedrooms
- Open-plan living
- Space for desks
- Good broadband coverage
6. The Importance of Smart Pricing in Liverpool
Liverpool’s market is diverse – perhaps more than any other UK city.
Postcodes change dramatically street by street. For example:
- L1 city centre premium apartments
- L8’s Georgian Quarter period homes
- L17 Aigburth family streets
- L4 and L6 investor-driven areas
- L22 and L23 coastal hotpots in Crosby and Waterloo
Generic online valuations often miss-price properties by up to 10–15%. That’s why a local valuer, one who understands micro-markets and buyer behaviour, is essential.
Curlett Jones’ Liverpool valuers analyse:
- Recent like-for-like sales
- Regeneration impact
- Local demand cycles
- Seasonal trends
- Buyer types (first-time buyers, upsizers, investors)
This ensures accurate pricing that protects your property’s value while maximising its demand.
7. Presentation and Speed Still Win
The quickest-selling Liverpool homes in 2025 shared three traits:
1. Strong presentation
2. Professional marketing
3. Fast launch times
That’s why Curlett Jones offers:
- A Fast valuation guarantee
- A Speedy marketing turnaround
- Professional photography
- Tailored descriptions
- Targeted promotion to registered buyers
Speed = early momentum. Momentum = competing offers. Competing offers = stronger final sale price.
8. Should You Sell in Early 2026?
Based on local data, for most Liverpool homeowners wanting to go on the market, the answer is yes and here’s why:
- Demand is still rising
- Mortgage rates have stabilised
- Investors are active
- Regeneration is accelerating
- Lifestyle buyers are returning to the city
- Supply remains limited in many popular areas
This creates a window of strength for sellers who prepare early, price smartly and go to market with a strong launch strategy.
Why Choose The Curlett Jones Estates Difference
Liverpool’s property market is entering 2026 with confidence, momentum and opportunity.
Whether you own an apartment in the city centre, a family home in Aigburth or a terrace in Wavertree, understanding the trends shaping buyer behaviour will give you a real advantage.
If you’re thinking about selling or simply want a data-led valuation, the Liverpool team at Curlett Jones Estates is ready to help. Liverpool’s market rewards those who move smartly and we’re here to help you do just that.
