The Yorkshire housing market has begun 2026 with renewed momentum, as rising levels of buyer and seller activity point to growing confidence across the region, according to Yorkshire’s largest independent estate agent, Dacre, Son & Hartley.
Following a more cautious end to 2025, the firm reports a marked uplift in market appraisals, enquiries and viewings across the majority of its offices in both North and West Yorkshire. In some locations, enquiries from homeowners considering a sale are up by almost 50% compared with the same period last year, signalling a clear shift in sentiment among would-be movers.
Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential at Dacre, Son & Hartley, said: “Towards the end of last year many buyers and sellers paused decisions due to economic uncertainty and pre-budget nerves. Since the start of 2026, we’ve seen a noticeable change. Instructions are up 2.4% on January last year and enquiry levels have risen sharply in several offices, which tells us people are once again actively planning their next move.”
That renewed engagement is also translating into stronger transactional activity. A number of Dacre, Son & Hartley offices have recorded increases of more than 40% in sales agreed compared with early 2025, with the total value of sales agreed up 7% year-on-year. Exchange values in January 2026 have also risen by almost 10% compared with the same month last year, reinforcing signs of improving market confidence.
Digital engagement data further supports the upward trend. Figures supplied by property portal Rightmove show that Dacre, Son & Hartley’s listings attracted 9% more property detail views than competing agents across the same patch between 1 January and 31 January 2026.
“That level of online engagement is a strong indicator of underlying demand,” Patrick added. “Buyers are doing their research, monitoring the market closely and responding quickly when the right homes come to market. That’s feeding directly into higher viewing levels and improved sales activity.”
Mortgage rates have also helped underpin confidence, following December’s 0.25% base rate cut to 3.75% and a period of more consistent pricing from lenders.
“Stability has been key,” Patrick said. “Greater certainty around affordability and monthly repayments is encouraging both first-time buyers and existing homeowners who delayed decisions last year to re-enter the market.”
At the same time, supply is gradually improving as sellers who adopted a ‘wait and see’ approach during 2025 begin to list their homes, creating healthier levels of choice across a range of price points.
“Correct pricing remains critical,” Patrick added. “Well-presented homes that reflect current market conditions are attracting strong interest and progressing efficiently, while buyers remain informed and value-conscious.
“Overall, the market feels more balanced, purposeful and positive than it has for some time,” Patrick concluded. “For anyone considering a move in early 2026, current activity levels suggest this is a constructive window to take confident, well-informed steps.”
