Our friends and sponsors at Julian Wadden share their insight on what the Stockport Metrolink news means for local house prices.

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Stockport is on the brink of a transport revolution: plans to extend the Manchester Metrolink into the town centre have gained fresh momentum with a £2.5 billion government investment.

This funding supports Greater Manchester's Bee Network expansion, including bringing trams from East Didsbury to Stockport Interchange and integrating local rail services. Andy Burnham recently confirmed works are expected to begin in 2030 to bring the long awaited Metrolink to Stockport.

The town's newly built Transport Interchange, which opened in March 2024, was designed with Metrolink in mind and primed for the line's eventual arrival.

What this means for Stockport

The ripple effects are already evident. Property values in Manchester historically enjoy a 4–10 percent premium when near transport links—and the Metrolink's South Manchester and Airport lines have delivered house-price increases of up to 21% nearby. Savills estimate that improved public transit can contribute to around 10 percent more capital growth over five years compared to less connected areas.

Stockport is also one of the fastest-moving property markets in the North West, buoyed by regeneration and growing buyer demand. The promise of Metrolink access strengthens its appeal as a commuter-friendly alternative to pricier Manchester areas. It enhances convenience, widens the pool of potential renters and buyers, and improves long-term investment resilience.

Local businesses are equally optimistic. Bar owners in the area note how unreliable train services hamper nightlife, while the Metrolink's reliability could change that, and bring more visitors into town

House prices: what growth can we expect?

• Strong precedent from Manchester: Historical data shows that Manchester Metrolink expansions have delivered notable property uplifts—an average increase of 6.3%, with sections like the South Manchester Line seeing 10.5%, and the Airport Line around 20.9%. While Stockport awaits its own link, this gives a reliable indicator of potential growth.
• Local surge in buyer activity: Following the £2.5 bn funding announcement for the tram extension, Stockport was dubbed the fastest-growing town in Greater Manchester. Buyer appetite has surged, with Zoopla describing the area as one of the most dynamic property markets in the region.

All told, nearby developments hint that properties in Stockport, particularly those prised near future Metrolink stops, could anticipate 10–20% appreciation, or possibly more, depending on proximity and broader market momentum.

Take-away

The Metrolink extension stands to be transformative for Stockport's housing market. Early signs suggest that:

• House prices near tram links could climb between 10–20%, mirroring past trends in Manchester.
• Rents are already rising sharply: 18–30% year-on-year in some cases.
• Buyer and tenant demand is growing rapidly, buoyed by affordability versus Manchester city and improved transport links.
• At the same time, concerns around local affordability and gentrification are real and growing.

In summary, the Metrolink extension is more than a new tram—it's a catalyst. It brings faster travel, drives property price growth, stimulates regeneration, and helps position Stockport as a modern, well-connected hub in Greater Manchester's evolution.

Find more information on all things housing in Stockport on the Julian Wadden website.