A leading property expert has outlined what he believes the Chancellor needs to deliver in her Budget this week to boost the regional housing market.
Mish Liyanage, CEO of The Mistoria Group, believes huge opportunities exist for the sector, if Rachel Reeves provides supportive measures.
He said: “Salford has claimed the top spot for house price growth across the UK, with values soaring by over 106% in the past decade. Manchester itself is up 96%. This represents genuine outperformance compared to every other region in Britain. Maintaining this requires deliberate policy support, not accident.
“I’ve watched this market evolve closely, and I believe this growth is just the beginning if the Government gets the 2025 Autumn Budget right,”
“Salford and Manchester have outpaced every other region in the UK. That competitive advantage disappears if policy doesn’t support what’s actually driving this success.”
Here’s what Mish believes needs to happen in the Budget to sustain this trajectory:
1. Stamp Duty Reform for Buy-to-Let and First-Time Buyers
“Stamp Duty surcharges have systematically penalised landlords for years. The higher rates on second properties and buy-to-let acquisitions reduce landlord investment and drive good operators out of the market. Reforming these thresholds, particularly in regeneration-focused areas, would unlock capital for reinvestment and improve rental supply when demand is accelerating. For first-time buyers, raising the relief threshold would keep affordability within reach in lower price brackets.”
2. Targeted Regeneration Funding Beyond the Headlines
“The Levelling Up fund has produced slogans but inconsistent results. We need dedicated investment into areas still outside the Salford and Manchester boom: Oldham, Rochdale, Bolton, Bury. That means real infrastructure improvements including transport upgrades, town centre regeneration, and community amenities. Without this, growth concentrates in three or four postcodes while the rest of Greater Manchester stagnates.”
3. Support for Landlords and Developers Managing New Regulation
“The Renters’ Rights Bill brings stricter regulation, and many landlords are already factoring exit strategies into their plans. That’s counterproductive when you need more rental supply. Tax incentives for energy-efficient upgrades or bringing derelict housing back into use would offset regulatory burden. Developers need brownfield tax breaks and reduced planning red tape. Sustainable construction grants would help ease housing shortages without adding cost to the end buyer.”
4. Construction Workforce Investment
“We won’t meet housing targets without builders, plumbers, electricians, and project managers. The skills shortage is real and immediate. Funding local training programmes and apprenticeships directly impacts project delivery timelines and housing affordability. Building is slow because trades are scarce. Training investment addresses that.”
Mish concluded: “If these four things are delivered, Greater Manchester will sustain its position as the UK’s fastest-growing region.”
