Demand for homes in York city centre this year has increased by the largest amount in Britain, new figures show.
And that is forcing prices up, says a leading estate agent.
According to latest statistics from the website Rightmove, buyer demand between January and April has increased by 76% in York city centre.
These are the five cities showing the biggest increases:
- York, 76%
- Norwich, 62%
- Sheffield, 57%
- Southampton, 55%
- Leicester, 53%
Rightmove added that while larger family homes have tended to be the strongest performers in the housing market over the past year, the focus is now shifting to flats.
“People starting to venture in to their local high streets and once again experiencing the buzz of their city centres, along with greater mortgage availability for first-time buyers, means city centres are staging a much-needed comeback in the market,” said Rightmove’s housing expert Tim Bannister.
‘Extremely strong market’
Scott Anscomb, owner Your Move Anscombs estate agents and Mapio Financial, told YorkMix: “We are seeing an extremely strong market with demand outstripping supply across all sectors of the market.
“Certainly, our experience recently with apartments in particular has shown strong demand there too, with a new luxury development of eight apartments close to Bootham Bar walls, that have balconies with fabulous Minster views, almost sold out within three weeks.
“York continues to be not only a fabulous place to live with lots of green space within what could be considered the city centre, but also a top tourist destination.
“With staycations the only real holiday option for many people this year, this is fuelling huge demand for holiday investment properties.
“The recent surge in demand for property in York has certainly seen prices increase, however it still looks exceptional value when you consider the benefits of such a beautiful city, the surrounding countryside and its superb transport links, when compared with the cost of similar properties in London and the south.”