Ryedale in North Yorkshire sees biggest post-lockdown property market reverse in the UK as demand soars

Ryedale has seen the largest increase in enquiries from house-hunters since lockdown in the whole country.
Hutton-le-Hole is one of the most sought-after villages in RyedaleHutton-le-Hole is one of the most sought-after villages in Ryedale
Hutton-le-Hole is one of the most sought-after villages in Ryedale

New Zoopla data revealed that house sales in the North Yorkshire district - home to the 'foodie capital' market town Malton and close to the North York Moors National Park - have risen 53 per cent between May and July compared to the same period in 2019.

The property website has released a list of the local authorities where the lockdown has 'reversed' the fortunes of the housing market with the largest increases in the number of homes sold.

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Ryedale came top, narrowly beating St Helens in Merseyside, which saw a 48 per cent increase.

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The mostly rural area has proved attractive to buyers searching for access to open space and larger properties with gardens from where they can work remotely.

Local estate agent Steve Gilleard, of Hunters, told The Telegraph that 2019 was a 'very tough' year for business in Ryedale, with few properties coming onto the market and sales slow, which he partly attributed to uncertainty around Brexit.

Since lockdown ended, the local market has boomed, with prices on the increase. Half of enquiries have come from 'incomers' who are not already living locally - pre-pandemic, they made up only a third. Mr Hilleard said many of them were relocating to the countryside because they were planning to work from home.

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He also said there was increasing interest from people moving from cities such as York, Sheffield and Leeds.

The Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Ryedale was named the best place to live in the north by The Sunday Times earlier this year.

The guide's writers loved Malton's gastropubs, old-money Thirsk for its tradition, Helmsley's food scene and Easingwold's independent shopping. Residents they spoke to cited connectivity as a key factor that persuaded them to move there. They also praised the interesting and varied social life on offer. The Star Inn at Harome (which has a Michelin star), Terrington Village Stores and Tearooms and Yorkshire Lavender were all highlighted.

Disadvantages include congestion on the A64, patchy broadband, and high levels of pollution near Malton. The villages closest to Castle Howard were picked out as the most desirable addresses.

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