North West real estate resilience demonstrated with Napthens growth

New figures from award-winning North West law firm Napthens show that the region’s commercial property market continues to hold steady, reflecting its ability to adapt in the face of wider economic pressures.

Figures show that the firm’s real estate team’s turnover alone grew by 27 per cent in 2024 to £5.6m (previously £4.1m), but this is expected to be surpassed to above £6.1m in the current financial year.

This is underlined by figures from April to September 2025 alone, showing the team completed deals worth over £400m and handled 1,425 transactions year-to-date – a 15 per cent increase in deal volume.

Paul Hardy, partner in the real estate team at Napthens, attributes the success to both people and strong local economies.

He said: “Despite fluctuating interest rates, inflationary pressures, and ongoing political uncertainty – the sector continues to see robust activity, particularly in regions with strong local economies and diversified client bases.

"Deals are getting done and whilst they may feel stretched in terms of the timetable they follow to complete, they are getting done.

“At Napthens we’re seeing growth in all areas of business and our locations, clearly demonstrating how the real estate sector in adapting and showing resilience in a somewhat turbulent time.

"We feel some have sat on their hands long enough and have decided to take action to move forward although the impact of the budget does remain to be seen.

“We continue to support listed companies, national organisations, large-scale regional developers and builders, healthcare professionals and institutions as well as our local owner-managed portfolio owners, hoteliers, leisure sector outlet operators and individual and corporate property investors throughout the region and beyond.”

Across Lancashire the real estate team saw a 25 per cent year-on-year increase in revenue, while in Cumbria this was around 16 per cent, with the specialist plot sales team seeing a 219 per cent increase, with deal values surpassing £140m demonstrating a burgeoning market for new build property.

Such has been the increase in business that Napthens real estate has expanded significantly, including Nathan Peddie and Emily Butterfield from Eversheds and a further 11 colleagues.

Lancashire Business View also reported last month that Napthens opened its new office in Manchester and marked a major milestone in the firm’s strategic expansion across the North West.

The firm took over an office located on the sixth floor of The Pinnacle Building on King Street.

Paul added: “It’s the work we do within this wide range of businesses that clearly shows how the north west is a robust region when it comes to navigating unsettling economic times.

“There is so much positively happening and it’s good to see how businesses in this region are tackling the challenges with resilience.  

"We see our clients ready to embrace any obstacles the November budget may bring – for example our clients in the healthcare sector are preparing to maximise the opportunities presented by the upcoming funding commitments and proposed policy reforms.

“With key clients including Daniel Thwaites plc, Cygnet Healthcare, Concert Living and Reward Finance Group, we’re continuing to be at the forefront of a successful albeit cautious north west economic outlook.

“Our team’s performance this year is a testament to the depth of talent and commitment we have at Napthens.

"We’ve not only grown our client base but have also strengthened relationships with longstanding clients and professional partners, delivering results that set us apart in the North West.

"We are known for being well connected and keeping close to our clients as a sounding board for their own plans and businesses.

“While focus on innovation and client care continues to drive our success, it’s great to see the wider region benefit positively during what will continue to be challenging times for a while.

“I’m sure businesses will be nervous about the upcoming budget, particularly given the recent changes that impacted businesses and continue to do so, but one thing we do know is that whatever the government announce, the North West region will rise to the challenge."