Why homes are selling like hotcakes in Hebden Bridge

Estate agents in Hebden Bridge have barely stopped to draw breath since the property market opened. The town has long been a magnet for buyers but now choice is limited as homes are selling like hotcakes and block viewings are becoming the norm.

The lure lies in Hebden’s multifaceted attractions. The town’s railway station has links to both Leeds and Manchester and this and the easy access to hills and moorland plus river and canalside walks appeal, especially to those who were locked down in city and urban apartments. But the main draw is that Hebden Bridge is undeniably hip and bears no comparison to other Pennine market towns.

It is regularly named one of the coolest places to live in Britain thanks to its bohemian vibe, large number of artists and makers and its plethora of independent shops and cafes, not forgetting The Trades Club, a tiny but magnificent bar and music venue that has the ability to attract big name acts.

The change from mill town to boho hotspot began in the 1970s when hippies flocked there to take advantage of the low house prices. Its fashionable status has since caused property values to rise and now a two-bedroom terraced house costs an average of £165,000. The least expensive property for sale in the town now is a one-bedroom flat for £95,000 with Anthony J. Turner.

Most homes in the town are terraced and, unusually, some are over dwellings and under dwellings. This double-decker approach saw terraces built on a hillside with another layer of homes attached above or below. Rare detached and semi-detached homes command a premium and include six-bedroom Linden House on with Anthony J. Turner for £575,000. Whatever you buy, check flood risk as some parts of town are prone to flooding.

Those looking for an alternative home could consider a canal boat. Peter David Properties is marketing Mrs Dalloway, a two-bedroom, widebeam barge with a permanent mooring that includes a small plot of land. The beautifully renovated boat, which has a fitted kitchen, a wood-burning stove and wi-fi, has a price tag of £135,000.

Garry Horsfield who runs Peter David Properties, says: “The market here is crazy, which is why we are having to use block viewings. We are seeing a lot of first-time buyers and more people coming out of Manchester to buy here. We are also getting a lot more interest from London now that more people can work from home.”

Ben Turner of Anthony J Turner adds that the raising the Stamp Duty threshold to £500,000 has also boosted the number of would-buyers in Hebden.

“This combined with very low interest rates has increased the number of enquiries, especially from London. Prices are very strong here at the moment with some homes going in excess of asking price because there is a dearth of property on the market. We put one house on and quickly got 17 viewings and I think what we are seeing is a mini boom. It is definitely a good time to sell because we don’t know what winter might hold.”

Those priced out of the Hebden Bridge property market have traditionally gone to neighbouring Todmorden, which has always been less expensive, but that too is becoming more fashionable with visitors flocking to the trendy Water Quarter with its antiques shop and vegan-friendly cafe.

At the moment you can still find a two-bedroom terraced house for £80,000 but, says Garry Horsfield,: “Prices are definitely rising there.”

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