The Intermediary – February 2026 - Flipbook - Page 90
L O C A L FO C U S
Stockport
and futureproofing.” On the owneroccupier side, Daffern notes a parallel
change in mindset, observing that
“Buyers are far more price-conscious
in recent years. Overpriced homes are
siing longer, more price reductions
are appearing, and well-priced
and marketed property is selling
much quicker.”
This growing financial literacy is
also influencing how buyers assess
risk. Daffern adds: “I would also
suggest that buyers are becoming
smarter with their money and are
puing more focus on stress-testing
their affordability, something I do
with all my clients. They are also
starting to pay more aention to
the property energy performance
certificate (EPC) rating.”
When it comes to lender selection
in the local market, flexibility and
fit appear to trump brand loyalty.
As Street explains: “We work across
the market and place business
with a wide range of mainstream
and specialist lenders depending
on the client’s needs,” a necessity
in an area characterised by varied
borrower profiles and increasingly
nuanced cases.
Established high-street names and
challenger banks remain a core part of
the mix, with Street noting that “the
established high-street and challenger
bank lenders remain active across
buy-to-let,” particularly for more
straightforward scenarios. However,
Cautious activity
LEE DAFFERN
protection and mortgage broker at Just Mortgages
feel the Stockport market remains healthy but moderate, with
house prices still on the rise but not rapidly increasing. Buyers are
as cautious as ever.
I would say affordable family homes are still in high demand,
with the area remaining affordable compared with central Manchester
or East Cheshire. For example, well-priced three- or four-bedroom
homes in areas like Cheadle, Heaton Moor, Bramhall, and Hazel Grove
oen attract multiple buyer interest and sell quickly. is can drive the
price up so how long will these types of homes remain affordable.
Also, Stockport is currently benefiting from long-term infrastructure
improvements and regeneration, with improvements in train and new
tram links to Manchester and surrounding areas, as well as other town
centre regeneration projects. is creates demand for properties near
transport hubs such as Stockport Station, Heaton Chapel, Davenport,
the result of which is stronger rental demand and resale values.
However, I think there is a significant shortage of affordable homes
relative to demand.
ere are currently several significant up-and-coming areas and major
development projects in Stockport, especially focused on town centre
regeneration and the supply of new housing. ese will influence the
property market whilst creating potential opportunities for new buyers,
renters, and investors.
I would say it is still relatively healthy however people are still being
cautious. Remortgage activity remains strong with more people willing
to remain and improve rather than sell and upsize.
Yes, I would say that buyers are far more price-conscious in recent
years. Overpriced homes are sitting longer, more price reductions are
appearing, and well-priced and marketed property is selling
much quicker.
I would also suggest that buyers are becoming smarter with their
money and are putting more focus on stress-testing their affordability,
something I do with all my clients. ey are also starting to pay more
attention to the property Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating.
I
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The Intermediary | February 2026
specialist lenders continue to play a
critical role, and are “regularly used
for complex income, self-employed
clients, and cases involving adverse
credit or non-standard properties.”
In this environment, lender choice
is less about chasing headline rates and
more about alignment, with Street
emphasising that “for clients, the
‘best’ lender is usually the one whose
criteria and service levels align with
the scenario.”
New developments
Infrastructure investment and
new development continue to play
an increasingly influential role
in shaping Stockport’s property
landscape. Newly built homes now
command a notable premium,
averaging £438,000 compared with
£338,000 for established stock, and
having seen a sharp upli in value
over the past year.
Geographically, SK7 1 has emerged
as a particular hotspot for new-build
completions and sales over the past
12 months. This appetite is closely
tied to wider regeneration efforts. As
Street notes: “Stockport’s continued
regeneration is a big talking point,
particularly the ongoing investment
in the town centre and transport
connectivity,” with “increased interest
in areas that benefit from improved
links and local amenities.”
From a lending perspective, Street
adds that “where regeneration is
visible and sustained, it seems to
be supporting both owner-occupier
demand and rental demand.”
Daffern echoes this view. He notes:
“Stockport is currently benefiting
from long-term infrastructure
improvements and regeneration,”
including enhanced rail services and
new tram links, which are driving
demand around transport hubs such
as Stockport Station, Heaton Chapel
and Davenport, and contributing to
stronger rental and resale values.
However, this momentum is not
without its pressures, as Daffern
cautions that there is still a significant
shortage of affordable homes relative
to demand.
He explains: “There are currently
several significant up-and-coming
areas and major development projects
in Stockport, especially focused on
town centre regeneration and the
supply of new housing.”
