Published 9th May 2026, 11:45 BST
Figures from Zoopla show that it is taking an average of 31 days to sell a home in Yorkshire and the Humber, unchanged on last year and below the UK average of 33 days. House price growth in the region is also outpacing the national picture, with annual growth of around 2.2 per cent compared with 1.3 per cent across the UK.
Richard Donnell, executive director of research at Zoopla, says: “Yorkshire is broadly aligned with the national trend, which sees sales remaining stoic across the country despite higher mortgage rates. Yorkshire and the Humber is particularly stable; it now takes 31 days to sell a home, unchanged from March 2025, and lower than the national average of 33 days.”
He added that the region reflects a wider North-South divide, with stronger growth and faster sales than southern England.
Agents on the ground report a similar picture of resilience, particularly in the middle and lower price brackets.
Simon Blyth, of Simon Blyth estate agents across South and West Yorkshire, says: “We are very busy. There is quite a lot coming to the market. The top end is moving but not as quickly as the middle and lower ends of the market. The uncertainty of the conflict and rising costs generally are making people a little slow in their decision-making.”
Demand remains strongest for family homes at accessible price points in and around Bradford. James Watts, managing director at Robert Watts Estate Agents, says: “Houses up to £250,000 are still selling very well, particularly two and three-bedroom terraces, with three-bedroom semi-detached being in particular demand, especially those close to well-regarded schools in areas like Wibsey, Idle, Birkenshaw and Cleckheaton.
“The local market above £350,000 is more difficult with noticeably less demand, and we feel potential buyers and sellers are closely monitoring interest and mortgage rates.”
At the higher end, there are signs of momentum, although buyers are more selective. Mark Ross, managing director at Redbrik, says: “At Redbrik, we are on target to agree over 100 sales this month, at an average sell-agreed price of £336,409.
“Most sales remain under £500,000, but it is encouraging to see momentum at the top end too, with more than 15 sales agreed over £500,000, showing buyers still want to move up the ladder. Buyers have significant choice, so accurate pricing, strong presentation, and a clear marketing proposition remain essential to attract the right interest.”
In North Yorkshire, activity has been brisk in the right locations. Edward Hartshorne, managing partner at Blenkin & Co in York, says: “At the end of April, we agreed seven sales in five days. While wider economic headwinds continue to affect confidence generally, the reality on the ground is that deals are being made.”
He adds: “There is still a great deal of cash in the market, with people moving both up and down the property ladder, as well as relocating across the country.”
National data provides context for the region’s performance. Halifax reported that the average UK house price dipped by 0.5 per cent month-on-month in March to £299,677, with annual growth slowing to 0.8 per cent. However, Yorkshire and the Humber recorded a 1.2 per cent annual increase, underlining the relative strength of northern markets.
Meanwhile, Office for National Statistics figures show Yorkshire and the Humber had the highest house price inflation of any English region in the year to February, at 3.9 per cent, compared with a UK average annual rise of 1.2 per cent.
Rightmove data points to a more competitive market nationally, with the number of homes for sale at an 11-year high for the time of year. The average asking price rose by 0.8 per cent in April to £373,971, although this was below the seasonal norm, reflecting pressure on sellers to price realistically.
Despite global uncertainty, including the impact of conflict in the Middle East on inflation and mortgage rates, the market has shown resilience. Nationwide reports that annual UK house price growth picked up to 3.0 per cent in April, with prices rising 0.4 per cent month-on-month.
Agents expect continued activity, particularly if borrowing costs stabilise. Edward points to a potential increase in supply: “The expiry of around £18bn worth of fixed-term mortgages during 2026 is likely to bring even more movement to the market…creating a more fluid market and open up opportunities further down the chain.”