Why Yorkshire homes are holding their value as national market wavers
Yorkshire’s housing market has entered spring on a steady footing, with activity holding up but a more cautious tone emerging among buyers, according to the region’s estate agents.
Property professionals in Yorkshire say demand remains, though decisions are taking longer as higher borrowing costs and wider uncertainty weigh on confidence.
Edward Hartshorne, managing director of Blenkin & Co in York, says the shift has been noticeable in recent weeks. “Ongoing geopolitical uncertainty is encouraging buyers to be more selective, particularly when it comes to renovation projects and houses needing work,” he says.
That caution mirrors the national picture, where house price growth remains modest. Zoopla reported the average UK house price in March at £270,500, reflecting annual growth of 1.3 per cent, while Nationwide Building Society put the average slightly higher at £277,186, up 2.2 per cent year-on-year.
Rightmove, which tracks asking prices rather than completed sales, continues to report significantly higher figures, with the average asking price for a newly listed home in March reaching £371,042, reflecting seller expectations rather than achieved values.
Against that backdrop, Yorkshire continues to offer a more affordable entry point. The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows the typical property value in the region was £208,000 at the end of 2025, well below the UK average of £268,000.
Nationwide Building Society reports that the average house price in Yorkshire across the first quarter of 2026 was £214,866, up 1.6 per cent, while Zoopla’s data shows a slightly higher increase, with prices in the region rising 2.2 per cent.
Richard Donnell, executive director for research at Zoopla, says: “Despite buyer enquiries taking a hit across the UK, Yorkshire and the Humber remains a resilient outlier.
"Sales agreed in the region have remained broadly stable, even seeing a slight increase in activity compared to last year as the market benefits from an 'affordability premium' that continues to attract motivated movers.
"Both Leeds and Sheffield remain above the curb with house price growth of 2.3 per cent and 2.6 per cent year-on-year respectively, compared to a national figure of just 1.3 per cent."
Balancing lifestyle with practicality is a key driver of demand in the region. "Schools, safety, and long-term security are driving the migration too,” says Edward.
He adds: “York is anchored by major employers like Nestlé and Aviva, while Leeds has cemented its place as the financial capital of the North, second only to London. Country homes with easy access to both cities are holding their value in 2026.”
Judith Simpson, of Cundalls in Pickering, describes a market that is steady rather than fast-moving. “The North and East Yorkshire’s property market remains composed, with quiet confidence masking subtle shifts beneath,” she says.
“Across the board average values are holding steady, signalling stability over spectacle, and showing resilience rather than momentum.”
The average house price in North Yorkshire rose three per cent to £272,000 in January, according to the latest ONS figures, while the East Riding saw slightly stronger annual growth, with average prices up 3.5 per cent to £221,000.
Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential at Dacre, Son & Hartley, which has 17 offices across West and North Yorkshire, says: “Clearly the Middle East conflict has raised concerns, but we believe there is strong underlying demand which will manifest itself once the school holidays are concluded and post-Easter stock launches to the market.
"The latter will certainly encourage interest and already our sales are around 17 per cent higher than this time last year.”
Leeds also continues to play a central role in the region, with relatively fast sales times and consistent demand.
In the city centre, Zenko reports a resilient apartment market, with buyers ranging from first-time purchasers to investors, and prices holding firm despite a more cautious national backdrop.
As the spring market gathers pace across Yorkshire, stock levels are expected to rise, giving buyers more choice and shifting the balance slightly in their favour.
In contrast to the sharper fluctuations seen elsewhere, the picture in Yorkshire is one of consistency. Prices are not rising rapidly, but they aren’t falling significantly either.
“Sensible pricing remains key to achieving sales and, looking ahead into spring, we expect to see a market that continues to move deliberately forward, albeit with quieter footsteps and longer pauses,” says Judith.