Yorkshire’s residential property market experienced a surge in activity over the summer, with independent estate agent Dacre, Son & Hartley agreeing 32% more home sales across its branch network in August 2026 compared to the same period last year.
The increase follows a 12% year-on-year sales rise in July across the firm’s 17 offices spanning North and West Yorkshire.
The estate agency noted that while political uncertainty and interest rate fluctuations led to price softening earlier in the year, rebased property values combined with built-up buyer demand encouraged movers to proceed over the summer months.
“The housing market has been through a turbulent year. Last autumn was difficult, with buyers waiting for the expected bad news associated with the Chancellor’s Budget, but we then saw a positive start to 2026, with a noticeable increase in activity in both January and February as suppressed demand was released,” said Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential at Dacre, Son & Hartley.
“However, the Middle East conflict, combined with an uncertain political picture in the UK meant inflation and mortgage rates crept upwards, inevitably denting confidence,” McCutcheon added. “These concerns also caused price growth to ease during Q2 of 2026, and particularly at the top end of the market. The rebased prices were enticing for buyers. As the year has progressed, both buyers and sellers who are motivated to move have given up waiting for certainty to return and have decided to press ahead and move, with their housing needs taking priority over other events.”
McCutcheon noted that trading activity remains concentrated in core and affordable price brackets, with new property listings continuing to enter the market ahead of the traditional autumn moving season.
Founded more than 200 years ago, Dacre, Son & Hartley operates 17 regional offices, including branches in Harrogate, Skipton, Ilkley, and North Leeds. The company is the parent firm of Dacres Commercial, rural practice Lister Haigh, and Craven Homelet, which it acquired earlier this year.
