Sales of luxury homes enjoying "remarkable" period

LUXURY homes in the county are attracting strong interest from buyers, with the top end of the market reportedly enjoying its busiest period in a generation.

York-based Croft Residential agreed record sales totalling more than £17m for properties in Yorkshire in the three months to July. The agency specialises in the sale of luxury homes and country estates, including discreet off-market transactions.

“The early summer has been remarkable for the Yorkshire property market, with demand as high as it has ever been, especially for the properties at the very top of the property ladder,” said agency founder Toby Cockroft. “There is no doubt this is the busiest I have seen the upper end of the Yorkshire market in more than 20 years in the industry.

“There are stately homes and historic country houses selling every month for several millions, and the region holds much appeal and a certain cachet for those relocating from London and overseas, that it perhaps hasn’t enjoyed before.”

The region’s enhanced profile, boosted by last year’s Tour de France, is believed to be a factor in this, as well as a trend towards a focus on quality of life.

“There’s no doubt that buyers get better value for money in Yorkshire than in the South East where many of the buyers have been previously based, but that isn’t the whole story,” he added.

“People are looking for a better quality of life. That means more space, great views, local attractions, coastlines and countryside close by, and that is where Yorkshire comes into its own.  

“Couple this appeal with great motorway access and rail and air links, making London readily accessible and overseas travel easy, it is clear to see why the region is attracting record numbers of well-heeled buyers.”