Written by Amanda Hember, Director at Martin & Co Widnes
Runcorn is a town on the rise. Often overshadowed by its more well-known neighbours like Liverpool and Warrington, it’s quietly reinventing itself through regeneration, connectivity and community investment. And for property buyers and sellers alike, that means opportunity.
With its scenic riverside location, fast-growing infrastructure, and competitively priced homes, Runcorn is attracting increasing interest from first-time buyers, growing families, and savvy investors. If you’re thinking about buying or selling property in the North West, Runcorn deserves a closer look.
Benefits of living in Runcorn today
What’s driving people to Runcorn? In a word: balance.
It offers the rare combination of affordability, green space, and city access. It’s a place where you can buy a three-bedroom semi-detached for well under £200,000, enjoy walks along the River Mersey, and still be in Liverpool city centre in 20 minutes.
For families, there are a number of good primary and secondary schools, as well as leisure centres and parks. For professionals, the town’s strong transport links make commuting hassle-free. And for retirees or downsizers, riverside properties provide a peaceful lifestyle at a lower cost than neighbouring areas.
Runcorn is also part of the Borough of Halton, which means residents benefit from shared services, investment and regeneration funding alongside Widnes.
What’s happening in the Runcorn property market?
According to Rightmove’s House Price Index, the average property price in Runcorn is around £180,000, significantly below the UK average of over £280,000.
Here’s how that breaks down:
- Terraced houses: £130,000 – £150,000
- Semi-detached homes: £170,000 – £200,000
- Detached homes: £250,000 and above
- Flats: often under £100,000
Compared to nearby towns like Warrington, Chester or even Widnes, Runcorn offers strong value for money. That’s led to increased buyer demand, particularly from first-time buyers and investors.
Zoopla reports that house prices in the area have grown by over 4% year-on-year, driven by regeneration and the rising appeal of the town’s location.
For sellers, this creates a window of opportunity. With more people looking to move to Runcorn, well-presented homes are achieving strong prices and are often selling faster than expected.
How regeneration is reshaping Runcorn’s future
The town is in the middle of a long-term transformation. Spearheaded by Halton Borough Council, the Runcorn Town Centre Regeneration Programme and Reconnecting Runcorn vision are bringing new life to the area.
Key changes include:
- Station Quarter development to improve the arrival experience and connect the town centre to Runcorn Station
- Investment in the Bridgewater Canal and waterfront public spaces
- New cycleways and pedestrian walkways to promote greener transport
- Retail and leisure space improvements to support local business
- Development of high-quality new homes in strategic locations
These changes aim to create a more walkable, liveable town centre, linking the historic heart of Runcorn with its riverside and transport hubs.
For buyers, regeneration means improved surroundings, better amenities, and long-term capital growth potential. For sellers, it brings greater interest in areas that may have been overlooked just a few years ago.
Runcorn riverside homes and lifestyle benefits
One of Runcorn’s biggest draws is its location along the River Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal. Riverside homes offer views that are rare at this price point in the North West, making them a magnet for buyers seeking both lifestyle and value.
Areas such as Weston Point, Halton Brook, and Palacefields are becoming increasingly popular with those looking for green space and access to the water.
Buyers are prioritising:
- Outdoor space (gardens, balconies, terraces)
- Proximity to riverfront paths and parks
- Quiet residential streets near the water
In particular, properties within walking distance of Spike Island and the Mersey Gateway Bridge Viewpoint are highly sought-after for their blend of scenery and accessibility.
As working patterns shift and more people spend time at home, the demand for calming, open-space surroundings has increased. Runcorn’s riverside neighbourhoods deliver this without the price tag you’d find in similar settings closer to Chester or Liverpool.
Why Runcorn is a top commuter town in the North West
Transport is where Runcorn truly shines. It’s one of the best-connected towns in Cheshire, ideal for those working in nearby cities.
Rail
- Direct trains to Liverpool Lime Street: approx. 15 minutes
- Regular services to Manchester Oxford Road and Piccadilly: around 35–45 minutes
- London Euston in under 2 hours on Avanti West Coast services
Road
- Immediate access to M56 and M62, connecting to Manchester, Chester and the North Wales coast
- Mersey Gateway Bridge offers seamless travel to Widnes and Liverpool
Bus and active travel
- Extensive local bus network
- Improved cycling and pedestrian infrastructure under regeneration plans
For hybrid workers, Runcorn provides the flexibility to access city-centre offices when needed, while enjoying a quieter, more affordable home base.
Runcorn buyer trends and seller opportunities
At Martin & Co Widnes, we’ve seen a clear shift in who’s buying and selling in the Runcorn area:
Buyers:
- First-time buyers priced out of Liverpool or Warrington
- Young families looking for more space and schools
- Investors seeking affordable rental stock with strong yields
- Remote and hybrid workers moving from city flats to houses with gardens
Sellers:
- Homeowners taking advantage of price growth to upsize or relocate
- Downsizers moving to smaller riverside homes or bungalows
- Landlords reshaping their portfolios in response to changing regulations
There is growing confidence in the local market. Homes that are priced correctly and well-presented are receiving good levels of interest, with viewing numbers and offer activity both on the rise.
For anyone considering a sale, now is an excellent time to book a valuation and understand your options.
How Martin & Co can help you buy or sell in Runcorn
As a local business with years of experience in the Runcorn and Widnes markets, Martin & Co Widnes offers tailored support to both buyers and sellers.
Here’s how we can help:
- Free, accurate valuations based on live market data
- Local knowledge of Runcorn’s micro-markets and regeneration hotspots
- Trusted guidance for first-time buyers and upsizers
- Property management services for landlords and investors
- Expert negotiation and marketing to help sellers achieve the best price
Thinking of selling your Runcorn property?
Book a free valuation here
Looking to buy your next home in Runcorn?
Take a look at Our available properties
We’re passionate about matching people to the right homes — and helping sellers make the most of this evolving market.
Final thoughts
Runcorn is no longer just a town you pass through. With its riverside appeal, growing investment, and unbeatable connections, it’s become a destination in its own right.
Whether you’re buying your first home, investing in property, or thinking about selling, Runcorn is full of potential — and now is the time to take advantage.
At Martin & Co Widnes, we’re here to help you navigate every step. From accurate valuations to finding your perfect next home, our local team is ready when you are.
Runcorn is changing. The question is: are you ready to make your move?
