Yorkshire Property Buying Guide

Yorkshire is the largest region in England. Its population of more than five million is spread across four counties, including North Yorkshire, which boasts York and the spa town of Harrogate. The region also encompasses East Yorkshire, South and West Yorkshire, covering industrial towns and cities like Leeds, Sheffield, Huddersfield, Middlesbrough and Doncaster.

Affectionately known as ‘God’s Own Country,’ Yorkshire is renowned for its picturesque countryside, including the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and the Peak District. The coastline at Whitby and Scarborough is also a favourite among visitors and locals, with beautiful sandy beaches.

If you’re considering moving to this part of the UK, look at our buying guide and schemes available to help. If you’re a landlord looking to add more properties to your nationwide portfolio, explore a great range of competitive mortgage rates for investors.

 Whether you want to live or invest, Yorkshire is an excellent place to buy a property. The housing market in the region is booming, with plenty of properties to take advantage of.

From walks in Stockeld Park to adventures in Plumpton Rocks, there’s plenty to do in this picturesque region. Houses enjoy a balance between laidback countryside living and a bustling market town atmosphere. Wetherby’s property market recorded significant growth between 2020 and 2023, with prices up by 15%.

Harrogate is another desirable location for first-time buyers and investors, midway between the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. This picturesque spa town is famous for its outstanding education and sporting and social activities. House prices rose by just over 10% between 2020 and 2023, with semi-detached proving the most popular.

Scarborough is another North Yorkshire gem, a top choice for buyers and investors. The property market experienced a 16% rise between 2020 and 2023, with buyers preferring semi-detached houses over flats. With glorious beaches, the famous Robin Hood’s Bay and things to do for all ages, the town is one of the best investment areas in the region.

Yorkshire encompasses some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK, including the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors.

Skipton

This quaint market town is the best place to start discovering the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. Skipton is also next door to the Forest of Bowland, where you can explore the Embsay Reservoir for a sailing experience.

York

With its 13th-century cathedral dominating the landscape, York is a vibrant city at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss. Viking roots give York a unique atmosphere, making it a destination of choice among homebuyers.

Barnsley

This pleasant town often ranks as one of the best places to live in Yorkshire, and it’s no wonder. Homes in Barnsley are well connected to nearby cities like Huddersfield and Manchester and within commuting distance of the Pennines.

Yorkshire is a great place to raise a family, with swathes of spectacular countryside, centuries-old towns and cities, and a diverse population. Whether you enjoy hiking in national parks or visiting historical sites, there’s something to suit everyone here.  

Ripon

Midway between the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors, Ripon is a beautiful place in North Yorkshire to call home. As one of England’s oldest cities, it’s home to many Grade I-listed Georgian and medieval buildings, as well as a majestic 19th-century cathedral. It’s also near some popular destinations like Harrogate and York and boasts outstanding primary and secondary schools.

Rotherham

This large town offers many exciting attractions at the confluence between the River Rother and the River Don in South Yorkshire. A day trip to Gulliver’s Valley will surely make kids smile. At the same time, Clifton Park and Boston Castle are two of Rotherham’s highlights.

Hebden Bridge

With excellent local schools, stunning stretches of open countryside and excellent commuter links, Hebden Bridge is a must-visit in Yorkshire and a location of choice among families looking to move.
 

Ofsted rankings of best schools in Yorkshire

School	Ofsted Rating	Date of Inspection
Feversham Primary Academy	Outstanding	April 2019
St Peter’s Church of England Primary School	Outstanding	December 2020
Knavesmire Primary School	Outstanding	November 2022
Coit Primary School	Outstanding	November 2022
Escrick Church of England Primary School	Good	January 2023
Barnsley College	Outstanding	May 2022
York Steiner School	Good	November 2022
Joseph Rowntree School	Good	December 2022
Dixons Trinity Academy	Outstanding	January 2022
Ebor Academy Trust	Outstanding	November 2022

If you’re considering a property nestled in nature, Yorkshire has it. With some of the best small towns and villages to live in, you can find a country home to suit your lifestyle.

Haworth

Haworth is a haven for nature enthusiasts, a stone’s throw from Nidderdale AONB and the Forest of Bowland. It also boasts excellent transport links to Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield. 

Silsden

Ideally located for exploring the Yorkshire Dales and two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Nidderdale and the Forest of Bowland, the town of Silsden is a beautiful place to live.

Beverley

The pretty market town of Beverley and the surrounding areas are peaceful places to live and enjoy the outdoors. Discover the many beaches just a short drive away or visit a nature reserve on the Humber Estuary.

Yorkshire and the Humber is one of the most varied regions in the country in terms of natural scenery, boasting some beautiful industrial towns and cities. Whether you’re looking for a quiet village in the countryside or want to be part of the action – Yorkshire has a neighbourhood for everyone.

The region is well connected to the UK; the M62 is the main link between East and West, connecting Hull to Liverpool and Manchester. The M1 and the A1 run from north to south.

Railways are also highly efficient, with the East Coast Main Line being the main transport link running parallel to the A1. Leeds, Sheffield and York are the main rail hubs, connecting cities and towns around the UK.

Buying your home in Leeds

A thriving, dynamic city with exciting nightlife and culture, Leeds is a location of choice for many. Homes here are popular thanks to local amenities, from museums and parks to endless shopping opportunities. Transport links are also convenient, making Leeds ideal for commuters. Leeds’ property market recorded a 15% increase in average property prices between 2020 and 2023.

Morley

On the southern outskirts of Leeds City Centre, homes in Morley are attractive to homebuyers because of their strategic location. Dewsbury, Bradford and Huddersfield are all within commuting distance, while the Peak District also sits a short drive away. The property market is flourishing, with house prices up 15% between 2020 and 2023.

Buying your home in Sheffield

Sheffield owes its fame to its prominence in the industrial era. Since then, it’s undergone various regeneration projects. Today, Sheffield boasts an enormous student population and a vibrant contemporary culture. The property market has experienced considerable growth, with house prices up by slightly less than 15% between 2020 and 2023. Semi-detached homes are the best-selling here.

Waverley

Waverley sits on the eastern outskirts of Sheffield City Centre and provides excellent transport links and access to open countryside. Elegant housing is complemented by proximity to green spaces and an impressive array of local amenities.

Oughtibridge

Next to the Peak District National Park, this picturesque village boasts spectacular scenery and many local attractions. It’s just six miles north of Sheffield City Centre, easily accessible by car and bus. Houses in Oughtibridge have experienced similar growth to Sheffield, up 3% between 2020 and 2023.

Buying your home in Hull

Hull, on the north banks of the Humber, was founded in the 13th century. Home to a beautiful Maritime and Museum Quarter, Wilberforce House and the East Riding Museum, it’s no wonder Hull was named the UK’s City of Culture in 2017. Property prices grew by 2% between 2020 and 2023.

Brough

This small town sits on the northern banks of the Humber Estuary. Brough offers convenient transport links, including a train station. Services to Hull and Doncaster depart regularly, while the TransPennine Express runs through Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool.

Cottingham

In East Yorkshire, on the edge of Yorkshire Wolds, Cottingham is a large village boasting great local schools and transport links. Property prices increased by 3% between 2020 and 2023, with semi-detached being the best-selling.

Buying your home in Middlesbrough

Close to the banks of the River Tees, Middlesbrough is a modern unitary authority with a thriving student population.

Nunthorpe

Conveniently located for access to Middlesbrough, the North York Moors and the coast, Nunthorpe is popular among buyers thanks to local amenities. House prices rose slightly between 2020 and 2023, with detached properties being the most popular.

Buying your home in Huddersfield

In the heart of Yorkshire, Huddersfield is a lively town with plenty going for it, from Tolson Memorial Museum and Huddersfield Art Gallery to Beaumont and Greenhead Park. House prices rose by almost 10% between 2020 and 2023 but remain relatively affordable compared to the rest of the region.