Welcoming renewed momentum to the Yorkshire housing market

Recently, The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2026 guide named six locations across Yorkshire as some of the best places to live in the UK – with Skipton placing third in the overall rankings. Against this backdrop of strong local appeal, it’s worth looking at how Yorkshire’s housing market has welcomed renewed momentum at the start of 2026.

It’s no secret that the 2025 lettings and sales markets were defined by challenge and shaped by uncertainty around the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) as well as a hesitant sales sentiment leading into the Budget. Despite headlines predicting a landlord exodus, the reality across Yorkshire has been far more stable.

At Linley & Simpson our branches span the breadth and depth of Yorkshire, from Harrogate and York to Leeds and Sheffield, and we know why these are not only some of the best places to live, but also why they are excellent places to invest in property, and provide plenty of opportunity for landlords, buyers, sellers and investors alike.

Clarity restored in the lettings market  

Demand for rental properties remained consistently strong across Yorkshire at the end of 2025, and landlords and investors should feel confident about what 2026 has in offer for the Yorkshire lettings market.

Across the Yorkshire region, 2025 recorded a near 7% increase year on year in agreed lets  and average monthly rents rose by 1% to £970. This year’s Boxing Day online search activity outperformed 2024’s high baseline, suggesting that tenants in Yorkshire are motivated to rent and find that perfect place to call home.  

Our research shows that, in particular, renters across Yorkshire continue to opt for two- and three-bedroom properties, with those close to convenience shopping, leisure, work and travel most popular. And, for the landlords who maintain their property to a high standard throughout a tenancy, they can be sure they are safeguarding the value of their investment long-term.

As the regulatory landscape becomes more complex, with the phased introduction of the RRA, informed guidance has never been more valuable for both landlords and tenants as the rental market in Yorkshire continues to steadily succeed.  

The sales market is returning to balance

The 2025 Yorkshire sales market saw demand increase and supply drop compared to the previous year, confirming that many sellers stalled their move due to uncertainties in the political and economic landscape.  

The 2026 market appears to be returning to balance. With more sellers returning after a cautious 2025, time taken to sell is expected to shorten in due to low initial stock levels and strong demand continuing.

Some sellers are even reassessing their plans as pricing expectations settle. This has led to a rise in ‘accidental’ landlords, with homeowners who initially aimed to sell now choosing to let instead. For many, shifting to lettings offers a practical route forward, providing reliable income while they consider their options.

Yorkshire’s strengths are emerging  

With clarity restored and demand holding firm, 2026 looks set to be strong for the Yorkshire housing sector as we welcome a market shaped less by uncertainty and more by informed decisive action.

Beyond the renewed momentum to the housing market, Yorkshire’s recent success in the coveted Sunday Times Best Places to Live rankings is a reminder of all that the county has to offer – from coastal towns, dramatic landscapes such as the Yorkshire Moors and distinct cultural heritage, there are plenty of reasons to be celebrating Yorkshire and all it has to offer for those who live and visit it.