The North West of England is rapidly brewing as one of the UK’s hottest property investment regions, with towns like Blackburn, Burnley and wider Lancashire seeing a surge in demand. Once overlooked in favour for the bustle of nearby cities like Manchester and Liverpool, the areas known originally for their rich industrial heritage are now attracting investors pursuing higher rental yields, affordable entry points and major development projects.

With increasing government investment, the North West is proving to be a goldmine for property investors around the globe. But what’s driving this rise and where should you be looking to maximise your returns? Let’s dive into the key trends fashioning the region’s property market in 2025.  

For property investors eyeing the North West market, Blackburn presents a compelling case for strong capital appreciation and rental demand. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), property prices in Blackburn have seen impressive growth across all property types over the past year. The upward trend is further highlighted by property type, detached properties showed a price appreciation of 16.4% now averaging £293,00, Semi-detached properties increased by 13.2% to £174,000 offering a balance of affordability and strong rental yields whilst terraced properties saw a 12.5% rise, reaching £131,000 making them an attractive entry point for investors.  

With prices rising faster than many other UK regions, Blackburn stands out as an undervalued investment hub with massive growth potential. Whether investors are seeking long-term capital appreciation or strong rental yields, these statistics demonstrate why attention is being turned to this thriving North West town. 

Burnley, huddled in the heart of Lancashire, is also rapidly emerging as a prime destination for property investors seeking affordability coupled with promising growth. Here’s why Burnley should be on your investment radar. 

The Burnley property market is showing steady appreciation. Over the 12 months leading up to November 2024, Burnley experienced a 4.9% increase in house prices, outpacing the national growth rate of 2.6%. This consistent appreciation underscores the town’s vigorous property market. Burnley also competes in the rental market with strong rental yields. As of January 2025, the average monthly private rent in Burnley was £588. 

The town shared plans for strategic development initiatives that are set to boost the town’s appeal. The Calico Group unveiled plans to renovate a derelict hospital into a £14 million health and wellbeing centre, the development aims to enhance local healthcare infrastructure and create job opportunities for residents. Burnley is an investor friendly environment with controlled taxation and affordable living making it an attractive prospect for property investors seeking immediate or long-term gains.  

Whilst we await specific data for Accrington, Nelson and Colne, their affordability combined with their growth trajectories, make them an investors playground. Relatively low property prices, coupled with steady rental yields suggest potential for both capital appreciation and consistent rental income.  

As infrastructure improves, early investors stand to benefit the most, whether you’re looking for buy – to – let opportunities, long – long term capital growth, or a foothold in a flourishing regional market. The North west is presenting an undeniable investment opportunity. Now it the time to capitalise on it’s rising momentum and secure a lucrative position in the UK’s most promising property goldrush.