North East Property Buying Guide

Despite being the smallest region in the UK with a population of around three million, the North East is a place with plenty of possibilities. It is divided into four counties: County Durham, Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and part of North Yorkshire.  

 

The North East is famous for many reasons, from Newcastle’s legendary nightlife and Durham’s centuries-old university to Sunderland’s glorious beaches and Gateshead’s iconic Angel of the North. It’s also home to World Heritage sites, like Durham’s Cathedral and Castle, state-of-the-art architecture and stunning nature reserves such as the North Pennines and Kielder Forest.

 

With strong rental yields and excellent long-term prospects, it’s no surprise that houses here are in demand. If you’d like to buy your first house or invest in a buy-to-let property, the North East boasts a diverse market with something to suit everyone.

 

Read on for some of the best investment opportunities in the region, along with our latest and upcoming developments. 

 

The North East is a promising region for first-time buyers and property investors. The market is fueled by affordable housing and growing rental yields. Whether you have a nationwide portfolio or you’re looking to start your property venture, there are various opportunities to take advantage of.

The town of Darlington is one of them. This up-and-coming area in County Durham is strategically located midway between the coast, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. The place has enjoyed rapid development thanks to council-sponsored schemes. House prices here rose by 9% between 2020 and 2023.

Consett, another locality in County Durham, also experienced a sharp increase in property value between 2020 and 2023, with prices rising by more than 10%. Nestled between the North Pennines to the west and the North Sea to the east, this village provides swathes of outstanding natural scenery to explore.

Middlesbrough and Hartlepool are also excellent investment spots. Two busy industrial hubs a stone’s throw from the stunning local countryside, these desirable towns offer a great variety of properties. Semi-detached homes are the best-selling in Middlesborough, while terraced dominate the property market landscape in Hartlepool.

With some of the most affordable house prices in the UK, it is no wonder that properties in the North East are in high demand. Below, we look at some of the most sought-after property areas in the region.

Newcastle

Vibrant, dynamic and lively, Newcastle is a real gem. Rated one of the safest places to live in the UK, this cosmopolitan city in Tyne and Wear is teeming with life. It’s a destination of choice among students as Newcastle University boasts a worldwide reputation. It’s also packed with bars, restaurants, shops and cultural attractions.

Morpeth

This historic market town sits along River Wansbeck on the edge of Northumberland National Park and the North Sea coastline. Morpeth is also well connected to Sunderland and Durham, should you wish to spend a day shopping.

Hartlepool

On the coast, Hartlepool owes its development to the council-sponsored Waterfront Project, which is set to transform the marina into a landmark destination.

The North East is brimming with ways to spend quality time with your family, from nature reserves to World Heritage sites. You'll be spoilt for choice if you’re hunting for the best schools around.

Durham

Durham is a beautiful place to move to with your family. It has two UNESCO World Heritage sites – Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral – and botanical gardens, cultural landmarks and exciting local amenities. Take children to Diggerland Park or for a picnic in the North Pennines.

Stockon-on-Tees

Along the northern banks of the River Tees, Stockton-on-Tees, or simply Stockton, is a quaint market town in County Durham. With a lively events calendar and many attractions, new homes in this part of the North East are always popular among homebuyers.

Sunderland

At the mouth of the Wear, where the river flows into the North Sea, Sunderland is a hub for the automotive industry and growing science and technology sectors. It’s packed with exciting local amenities and close to glorious beaches; the city offers activities for the whole family.

Ofsted rankings of best schools in the North East

 

School	Ofsted Rating	Date of Inspection
Whittonstall First School	Good	February 2023
Sacred Heart Catholic High School	Outstanding	November 2021
Eslington Primary School	Outstanding	October 2022
Broomhaugh Church of England First School	Outstanding	March 2020
Eden Boy’s Secondary School	Outstanding	November 2020
Corbridge Middle School	Outstanding	November 2021
Villa Real School	Good	July 2020
Derwentside College	Good	November 2022
Crookhill Community Primary School	Good	December 2022
The Sele First School	Good	September 2022

The North East is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK, including the North York Moors and the North Pennies. Here we’ve rounded up some of the region’s best places to move close to nature.

Barnard Castle

This picturesque market town straddles the River Tees and lies in the foothills of the Pennines. With the Yorkshire Dales and nature reserves close by, Barnard Castle is also home to the outstanding Teesdale School and Sixth Form.

Spennymoor

In County Durham, Spennymoor is a beautiful location if you love being surrounded by stunning stretches of countryside. This pleasant town offers a strategic position midway between the North Pennines and the North Sea. Durham is just six miles north, while the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors are close.

Whitby

Perched on the northeastern coast of North Yorkshire, midway between Middlesbrough and Scarborough, this picturesque fishing town is a real gem. Whitby Abbey dominates the skyline, while Robin Hood’s Bay is another beautiful village to explore. Whitby could be for you if you love waking up by the sea.

The North East is a diverse region with contrasting landscapes, spectacular UNESCO sites and exciting cultural attractions. These are just a few reasons why properties here have grown in popularity over recent years.

The North East is a brilliant place to move to if you have children. There are many comprehensive primary and secondary schools and independent and aided-learning institutions.

If you’re moving to the region to make commuting more manageable, you’ll be pleased by the transport links the North East offers. The A1 is the main carriageway, which mirrors the East Coast Main Line. The A19 is another essential connection from Thirsk to the Tyne Tunnel. The North East’s two international airports include Newcastle and Teesside.

Buying a home in the North East means proximity to the seaside and nature reserves without compromising your distance to major cities.

Buying your home in Sunderland

Sunderland has always offered homebuyers fantastic value for money, with property prices below the national average. The city was home to one of the UK’s most important regional ports until it became a thriving business hub. The property market in Tyne and Wear and Sunderland saw the same price increase of 5% between 2020 and 2023.

Washington

This town benefits from a convenient North East location between Newcastle, Durham and Sunderland.

Buying your home in Gateshead

Houses in Gateshead have become very popular in recent years, thanks to the fascinating architecture, excellent transport links and outstanding schools. Sitting on the River Tyne, the city boasts beautiful Saltwell Park and cultural and historic sites.

Hebburn

Along the south banks of the River Tyne in Tyne and Wear, Hebburn is a small town that offers superb access to popular sites like Newcastle and Gateshead. Looking for somewhere with both natural spots and exciting urban attractions nearby? This charming spot could be for you.

Buying your home in Hartlepool

This seaside town overlooks the North Sea, a destination of choice among homebuyers, thanks to its convenient location. Middlesbrough and Durham are a short drive away. You can also enjoy a day on one of the golden sandy beaches near Hartlepool.

 

Buying your home in Stockton-on-Tees

In County Durham, this market town offers beautiful landscapes. The community spirit and nature spots like the North York Moors make Stockton-on-Tees an excellent option for first-time buyers and property investors. Property prices increased by 6% between 2020 and 2023, with semi-detached houses being the best-selling.

Wynyard

Wynyard retains a rural and laid-back feel close to many local attractions and tourist sites. Houses in the village are popular thanks to their access to the seaside and spectacular nature spots like North Pennines and the North York Moors.

Buying your home in South Shields

Found at the mouth of the River Tyne, South Shields is a desirable coastline town that offers breathtaking views of the North Sea. Thanks to their proximity to stunning nature spots, properties have become very popular, with prices up by 3% between 2019 and 2023. Terraced properties are the best-selling among buyers.

New Hartley

14 miles north of South Shields, New Hartley is in the beautiful Northumberland countryside. Enjoy scenic walks, beaches to unwind and excellent schools.

Buying your home in Tynemouth

Tynemouth is a picturesque town at the mouth of the River Tyne, offering breathtaking coastline views. Voted one of the best seaside destinations in the UK, houses here are an excellent option for first-time buyers and investors, with prices up by around 25% between 2020 and 2023.