York Property Market and Real Estate Guide

(York, North Yorkshire, England, UK)

The city of York, located in North Yorkshire, was founded in 71 AD by the Romans. Its chequered history as a major settlement includes capture by Viking raiders and civil unrest during the Wars of the Roses. A railway centre in the 19th century, the modern city is now a business hub, with many UK companies relocating to York due to its fast rail connection to London.

The city centre has many remnants of its medieval past, including its magnificent cathedral and city walls. Housing stock varies from traditional stone-built houses and cottages to modern housing developments and apartment blocks. The city's development has overtaken several moorland villages which overlook dramatic countryside. Families enjoy Bootham's residential feel and Clifton's excellent shopping amenities.


Although house prices in York rose considerably before the recent property market crash, current realised prices stand at 30 percent below the national average, making purchase at this time a good investment. The city's infrastructure, buoyant economy, excellent transport facilities, airport and location within one of the most beautiful areas of the UK all point to future price rises.

Renting Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments in York are mainly found near the city centre and cater mostly for business people. Prices are cheaper than a comparative stay in a top-of-the-range hotel. Options offered include residential lettings for six months or longer, short-term lets and private, flexible serviced apartments by arrangement.

Interiors range from contemporary living to traditionally comfortable Yorkshire style abodes. Services provided include free Internet access, full utilities and parking where possible.

Buying Apartments and Houses

Property in York is affordable compared to property in many UK towns and cities, with a four-bedroom semi-detached home with garden costing little more than a two-bedroom flat in an average London district. Foreigners are able to invest in York properties with little hassle, but securing financing as a non-EU national can prove difficult.

The residential property market ranges from apartments to detached family homes with large gardens, through three-bedroomed semi-detached houses on 1930s and post-war developments to quaint cottages and architect-designed barn conversions on the edge of the city and in nearby moorland villages.

As the housing market has not yet fully recovered, an offer lower than the asking price may be acceptable. Allow for stamp duty, set at between one and four percent on the vast majority of properties. Check the amount of annual council tax payable, and whether it is under review to a higher tax band.

Real Estate Agents

There are a good number of estate agents in York. Most have websites, and several are part of well-known and reliable housing chains. However, it is advisable to use an agent who is registered with the National Association of Estate Agents.

Check out the following York real estate agents:

Hudson Moody
Address: City Centre, Micklegate, York, YO1 6LF, North Yorkshire, UK
Tel: +44 1904 650 650
Website: www.hudson-moody.com
Hudson Moody has several offices in York, covering the city and its surrounding areas.

Coalters
Address: 22 George Hudson Street, York, YO1 5LP, North Yorkshire, UK
Tel: +44 1904 655 222
Email: york@coulters.com
Website: www.coulters.com
Coalters is an award-winning local estate agency which prides itself on its honesty and direct approach to customer service.

Hunters Property Group
Address: 18 / 19 Colliergate, York, YO1 8BN, North Yorkshire, UK
Tel: +44 1904 756 199
Email: info@city-country.co.uk
Website: www.huntersnet.co.uk
Hunters have several estate offices in the area, and specialise in lettings and house auctions as well as sales.