The York property market has long held a unique appeal – a historic city full of character, with excellent transport links, top-rated schools, and a vibrant local economy. But as the UK continues to weather shifting interest rates, inflationary pressures, and evolving buyer behaviours, what’s happening right now in York? And crucially, what does it mean for you if you’re thinking of buying or selling in 2025?
At Northwood York, we work with buyers and sellers every day, giving us a front-row seat to the latest movements and motivations. This article brings together those real-world insights with the latest data from trusted sources like Rightmove, Zoopla, and the ONS, to give you a clear, up-to-date picture of where the York market stands—and where it’s heading next.
The current status of the York property market
Average prices and trends
According to Rightmove’s House Price Index, York’s property prices have seen a marginal year-on-year adjustment, stabilising after a post-pandemic boom. As of Q1 2025:
- The average property price in York is £365,229, a slight dip from 2023’s high of £373,000.
- Compared to the wider Yorkshire and The Humber region (average price: £252,000), York continues to command a premium thanks to its desirability and limited stock.
- Transaction levels are up: York recorded over 3,850 property sales in 2024, compared with around 3,260 in 2023.
This suggests that while prices have cooled slightly, market confidence remains high.
Types of properties selling well
Some property types are performing better than others:
- Terraced houses continue to be York’s most popular option, particularly in areas like South Bank and Holgate. Average price: ~£340,000.
- Detached homes in villages such as Poppleton and Bishopthorpe remain sought-after, especially by families upsizing.
- Flats have seen slower price growth but are attractive to first-time buyers and investors, particularly in the city centre.
In short: York remains a competitive market, particularly in the sub-£400,000 bracket.
Key factors influencing the market
Interest rates and mortgage conditions
Mortgage rates peaked in 2023 and have since started to fall. As of April 2025:
- The average 2-year fixed mortgage is hovering around 4.3%, down from highs of over 6% in mid-2023.
- The Bank of England is forecast to reduce the base rate further by the end of 2025, which could bring mortgages closer to the 3.75% mark.
This is welcome news for buyers who had paused their plans due to affordability concerns. Sellers are also benefiting from increased buyer activity in early 2025.
Demand vs supply
Supply remains tight in York. Rightmove data shows that although the number of listings has risen slightly since the start of the year, demand continues to outstrip supply:
- Buyer demand is 11% higher than in the same period last year.
- Available stock is up 5% year-on-year, but still falls short of historical averages.
This creates competition in popular areas, keeping prices relatively resilient—especially for family homes in catchment zones and properties close to transport links.
Local economic strength
York’s economy plays a huge part in supporting its housing market. With a thriving tourism industry, a growing digital sector, and two major universities, the city enjoys a steady influx of both permanent residents and short-term renters.
The city’s investment in infrastructure—such as the £25m York Station Gateway regeneration—only enhances its long-term attractiveness.
What buyers need to know in 2025
Opportunities to secure a great deal
Despite York’s continued popularity, there are still opportunities for buyers who are flexible:
- Ex-local authority properties in areas like Acomb and Tang Hall offer value and strong rental yields.
- Properties needing cosmetic updating are less competitive and often sit on the market longer—ideal for buyers looking to add value.
- New-build developments may offer incentives such as stamp duty contributions or part exchange schemes.
If you’re a first-time buyer, now is a good time to re-engage with your mortgage broker. With rates softening and schemes like the First Homes initiative gaining traction, the spring and summer months could offer more affordability than we’ve seen in recent years.
Buyer tips for 2025
- Get mortgage-approved before you start viewing. Sellers are prioritising buyers in a strong financial position.
- Be decisive but informed. In-demand homes are still receiving multiple offers.
- Don’t overlook the outskirts. Areas such as Huntington, Fulford and Clifton Moor offer better space-for-money ratios and easy access to the city.
What sellers should be thinking about
Is now a good time to sell?
Yes—if you’re realistic on price and presentation. While the days of bidding wars and over-asking offers have eased, well-marketed homes in York are still selling quickly.
According to Zoopla’s latest Price Index:
- The average time to sell in York is just under 30 days—faster than the UK average.
- Sellers who priced correctly from the outset achieved 97–99% of their asking price.
How to maximise your sale price
- Presentation matters: A fresh coat of paint, tidy garden, and clean windows can work wonders. Homes that are ‘move-in ready’ attract higher offers.
- Professional photography and floorplans: Essential in a digital-first world. Homes with clear visuals get significantly more online views.
- Leverage the local market: A trusted local agent (hello!) will know how to position your home based on recent sales in your specific street or postcode.
Seasonal timing
While spring and early summer are traditionally strong selling seasons, York’s year-round appeal means homes can sell successfully at any time—especially if there’s little competition.
If you’re unsure whether to list now or wait, book a valuation with a local expert who can advise based on your property type and location.
Looking Ahead: Where is the market heading?
Expert predictions for York in 2025
Property experts across the board forecast modest price growth in 2025:
- Zoopla predicts 2–3.5% price growth in York and the wider Yorkshire region.
- Rightmove anticipates an uplift in transactions following the anticipated interest rate cuts.
- Local analysts suggest that continued demand in York is due to its economic resilience, school catchment areas, and strong commuter links.
If you’re planning a move within the next 12–18 months, now is the time to get your ducks in a row—whether that’s researching mortgage options, improving your EPC rating, or understanding how much equity you’ve built.
Trends to watch
- Increased buyer interest in energy efficiency. Homes with good EPC ratings are in higher demand.
- Home offices and outdoor space remain high on buyer wish lists—so highlight those features if you have them.
- Interest from London and southern-based buyers continues, thanks to York’s quality of life and excellent rail links to the capital.
Final thoughts from Jon Sheppard
“York has always been a market with strong fundamentals—desirability, history, location, and community. 2025 is shaping up to be a stable year, with softening mortgage rates encouraging buyers, and sellers benefiting from sustained demand.
Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, move up the ladder, downsize, or explore buy-to-let opportunities, understanding the local dynamics is key.
At Northwood York, we offer more than just property listings—we provide honest advice backed by local knowledge and data-led insights.”
Ready to Make Your Move?
Thinking of selling your home in York? Book a free valuation with Jon and the team to find out what your property is worth in today’s market—and how we can help you get the best result.
Looking to buy? Our local experts can guide you to the right neighbourhoods and help you stay ahead of new listings.
This article is based on publicly available data from Rightmove, Zoopla, and the Office for National Statistics. It reflects conditions as of April 2025 and is intended as a guide, not financial advice. For tailored recommendations, speak to a qualified property professional.
