Huddersfield House Price Review: The February 2025 Update

 

Huddersfield House Price Review: The February 2025 Update Huddersfield homeowner or landlord? Curious about the trends in the Huddersfield property market? One measure is the average price paid for homes bought and sold in Huddersfield in the last 12 months, on a rolling month by month basis.   Each month we like to share this figure, and whilst this figure alone will not tell you much, its trend will. Our followers on social media know we write regular articles on the Huddersfield property market. It is in those articles we expand and clarify what these monthly figures mean to you.   Whether you are contemplating selling your property or simply interested in understanding its current market value, we are here to help. We provide detailed, no-obligation free valuations, designed to guide your future property related decisions.   Keep yourself informed and a step ahead in understanding the true worth of your property in Huddersfield. For a hassle-free, comprehensive market evaluation of your home, contact us at 01484548126.   Let's explore the potential of your Huddersfield property together.

 

 

Let's explore the potential of your Huddersfield property together.

The Semi Detached Home

 

The Rise of the Semi-Detached Home in Huddersfield The Rise of the Semi-Detached Home in Huddersfield For over a Century, the semi-detached house has been the backbone of the UK property market. More spacious than a terraced house but without the hefty price tag of a detached home, it strikes the perfect balance for families and first-time buyers alike. In many ways, it offers the best of both worlds—a sense of space and privacy while remaining more affordable than its detached counterparts.   One of the key reasons for its enduring popularity is its curb appeal. The design of a semi-detached home often makes it look larger than it actually is, creating an aspirational step up from a terraced house without stretching the budget to full detachment.    Over the last 30 years, the average price of a UK semi-detached home has skyrocketed from £51,533 to £297,738—an astonishing rise of 477.7%. This outpaces many other property types and reflects just how desirable these homes have become.   If you're curious about the trends in Huddersfield detached homes, semi’s, terraced houses, or apartments—or simply want to chat about where the market is heading—feel free to get in touch on 01484548126

The Renters' Rights Bill and How It Affects You

 

Important Update: The Renters' Rights Bill and How It Affects You

Dear Valued Client As the Renters' Rights Bill moves closer to becoming law in 2025 following its second reading in February, it's essential to understand how these changes might affect you as a landlord. We want to ensure you stay informed and compliant while continuing to manage your rental properties efficiently. Here's a brief overview of the key points and how our flexible letting services can help to keep you compliant and protected.   Section 21 Abolition No-fault evictions will end, but landlords can still reclaim properties under new grounds, such as selling or moving back in to the property. What this means for you Very little change. The new grounds under Section 8 will cover nearly all cases where you would have used Section 21. In our branch, most Section 21 notices could be replaced with Section 8. How we can help Although the details are still being worked out, Our team will keep you updated when more is known. Our team will also keep the transition smooth, handling the changes in processes for you.   Court Delays Concerns about delays eviction delays are being addressed with clearer grounds for possession, dispute resolution through the Ombudsman, and digital systems expedite outcomes but the impact of this will not be known until the transition occurs How we can help Our rent guarantee insurance covers eviction costs and lost rent, ensuring stable income during any delays.  We’ll handle the entire process, from insurance to resolution.   Periodic Tenancies Tenants will have the flexibility to give two months' notice at any time, similar to existing practices in Scotland which has seen minimal impact on tenancy durations. What this means for you While tenants can leave with notice, this won’t drastically change how long people stay. If tenants are unhappy, it’s better for them to move on rather than cause issues for you. How we can help We’ll manage tenant transitions seamlessly, minimizing disruption and swiftly finding new tenants when needed.   Rent Increases Annual rent increases remain possible as long as they match market rates in the current version of the Bill. Tenants have the option to appeal to a tribunal if they believe that the rent increase is unfair. How we can help We’ll support you with market data to justify rent increases, ensuring a fair process that keeps your property competitive.   PRS Ombudsman A new Ombudsman for landlords will  be introduced to handle landlord-tenant disputes and resolve these disputes efficiently, reducing the need for costly legal action. How we can help We’ll assist with registration with the Ombudsman and manage any disputes on your behalf, saving you time, stress and ensuring a smooth dispute resolution for you.   PRS Property Portal This new portal will help landlords demonstrate compliance with legal obligations. How we can help We’ll ensure you have all necessary documentation to remain compliant, taking the worry out of new regulations and reducing the risk of fines.   Pet Requests Tenants can request pets, however, landlords can require insurance to cover potential damages. Landlords should only refuse if it’s reasonable to do so. What this means for you If your property is suitable for pets, you’ll need to allow them with reasonable conditions. How we can help We’ll manage pet requests and ensure appropriate insurance is in place to protect your property.   Non-discrimination Landlords cannot discriminate against tenants with children or those receiving benefits. What this means for you You can still conduct thorough tenant referencing to ensure you select suitable tenants, but you cannot discriminate based on these categories. How we can help Our thorough tenant referencing ensures you find reliable tenants while adhering to regulations.   Decent Homes Standard and Awaab’s Law New standards will set strict timelines for addressing issues like damp and mould. How we can help We already comply with similar standards. We’ll make sure we check and highlight whether your property meets these standards. Our proactive approach ensures your property remains in top condition. This will ensure your let remains a safe and desirable place to live, reducing the risk of fines and maintaining tenant satisfaction.   No Bidding Wars Landlords will no longer be able to accept offers above the asking rent. How we can help We’ll set competitive, market-accurate rents, ensuring you attract tenants quickly while securing the best possible income. We’re fully prepared for these upcoming changes and are here to guide you through them. Our experienced team will ensure you remain compliant while protecting your investment. By partnering with us, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your property is in expert hands. Our flexible letting services are designed to keep you compliant with all new regulations, safeguarding your investment and simplifying the process- essentially if you are not a fully managed client now is the time to talk to ourselves.   We look forward to continuing to support you, for more information, please visit: https://www.whitegates.co.uk/landlords/letting-compliance/   Best Regards Chan Khangura BA (Hons) DipRLM MARLA MNAEA Proprietor & Managing Director Whitegates Estate Agents Huddersfield, Brighouse & Holmfirth Proprietor & Managing Director Whitegates Pontefract & South Elmsall Owner Whitworths Managing Agents, Let Two, CMK Lettings, Easy Lettings Northwest, McField Lettings Brighouse, Linden Lettings, & Local Properties Pontefract https://whitegates-huddersfield.homesearch.co.uk https://huddersfieldproperty.blogspot.com

Interest Rate Cut

 The Bank of England has reduced interest rates to 4.5%, marking its third cut in under a year. This decision follows a previous reduction in November 2024, with the rate remaining unchanged in December. While most of the Bank’s nine policymakers supported the move to 4.5%, a minority favoured a more aggressive cut to 4.25%, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the UK economy.

The Bank of England has revised its economic growth forecast for 2025, now predicting a 0.75% expansion, down from an earlier estimate of 1.5%. The impact of this rate cut will be felt across the financial landscape, potentially easing borrowing costs for mortgages and loans while simultaneously reducing returns for savers.

The decision is widely seen as a positive step for the British housing market. Lower borrowing costs could improve affordability, providing a confidence boost for homebuyers and those looking to remortgage. The number UK home sales in January 2025 was just under 20% more than January 2024. That, alongside increased buyer registrations at the start of the year. However, while sentiment may improve, the immediate effect on mortgage rates is expected to be gradual, as lenders respond cautiously to the new environment.

The timing of the rate cut is also significant, as the April’s stamp duty threshold changes approach. The market has already seen a surge in activity from buyers looking to complete purchases before the new rates take effect. The combination of lower interest rates and impending tax changes may accelerate decision making among those on the fence about moving.

Looking ahead, the trajectory of further interest rate reductions will depend on broader economic stability. Inflation, although lower than last year, remains a key factor influencing future interest rate policy. While there is optimism that additional cuts could follow in 2025, economic volatility means nothing is guaranteed.

For now, the latest rate cut is expected to provide a boost to property market confidence. The property sector, already showing signs of resilience, could benefit from improved affordability, though sustained growth will depend on wider economic conditions and how quickly lenders adjust mortgage rates in response.

The UK Property Market is Buzzing – But Realistic Pricing Still Reigns Supreme

The UK Property Market is Buzzing – But Realistic Pricing Still Reigns Supreme

The UK Property Market is Buzzing – But Realistic Pricing Still Reigns Supreme Great news for homeowners and buyers alike – the UK property market is off to a flying start in 2025! In January alone, there were 20% more homes sold subject to contract compared to the same time last year, with 98,978 properties finding buyers versus 84,509 in January 2024. This surge in activity reflects growing confidence in the market, and we’ll be delving into the latest Huddersfield specific statistics over the next week. Keep an eye out for our upcoming report where we’ll break down exactly how our local Huddersfield market is performing. However, while the picture is positive, it’s important to remember that only just over one in two homes that come to market actually end up selling (53% to be exact). This is a crucial reminder that no matter how busy the market gets, realistic pricing remains the key to securing a sale. If you’re thinking of selling in 2025, now is a fantastic time to take advantage of the market momentum—but make sure your Huddersfield property is priced competitively to attract the right buyers.

Do bedrooms affect the saleability of your home?

 

Bedrooms matter when it comes to selling your home, but not in the way you might think. According to UK Property Market data from Denton House Research, in 2024, homes with three bedrooms have the highest success rate of selling and completing, with 58.9% successfully sold compared to being withdrawn from the market. Two-bedroom homes also perform well, at 56.6%. In contrast, one-bedroom properties struggle, with just 47.1% completing. Interestingly, larger homes with five or more bedrooms fare the worst, with only 41.2% reaching completion. Four-bedroom homes sit in the middle, at 47.9%. This insight could be critical if you're planning to sell your home in 2025. For smaller homes, it's important to highlight space efficiency and practicality to potential buyers. If you're selling a larger property, consider presenting it as adaptable and suited to evolving family needs. The number of bedrooms not only influences demand but may also impact your pricing and marketing strategy. By understanding these trends, you can work closely with your estate agent to position your [home for a faster, more successful saleen itcomes to selling your home, but not in the way you might think. According to UK Property Market data from Denton House Research, in 2024, homes with three bedrooms have the highest success rate of selling and completing, with 58.9% successfully sold compared to being withdrawn from the market. Two-bedroom homes also perform well, at 56.6%. In contrast, one-bedroom properties struggle, with just 47.1% completing. Interestingly, larger homes with five or more bedrooms fare the worst, with only 41.2% reaching completion. Four-bedroom homes sit in the middle, at 47.9%. This insight could be critical if you're planning to sell your home in 2025. For smaller homes, it's important to highlight space efficiency and practicality to potential buyers. If you're selling a larger property, consider presenting it as adaptable and suited to evolving family needs. The number of bedrooms not only influences demand but may also impact your pricing and marketing strategy. By understanding these trends, you can work closely with your estate agent to position your Huddersfield home for a faster, more successful sale. Looking to sell in 2025? Speak with us at Whitegates to tailor your strategy to the market and make the most of your Huddersfield home's appeal.

Bedrooms matter when it comes to selling your home, but not in the way you might think. According to UK Property Market data from Denton House Research, in 2024, homes with three bedrooms have the highest success rate of selling and completing, with 58.9% successfully sold compared to being withdrawn from the market. Two-bedroom homes also perform well, at 56.6%. In contrast, one-bedroom properties struggle, with just 47.1% completing. Interestingly, larger homes with five or more bedrooms fare the worst, with only 41.2% reaching completion. Four-bedroom homes sit in the middle, at 47.9%. This insight could be critical if you're planning to sell your home in 2025. For smaller homes, it's important to highlight space efficiency and practicality to potential buyers. If you're selling a larger property, consider presenting it as adaptable and suited to evolving family needs. The number of bedrooms not only influences demand but may also impact your pricing and marketing strategy. By understanding these trends, you can work closely with your estate agent to position your Huddersfield home for a faster, more successful sale. Looking to sell in 2025? Speak with us at Whitegates to tailor your strategy to the market and make the most of your Huddersfield home's appeal.

How Long Does a Property Spend on the Market in Huddersfield?

 

How Long Does a Property Spend on  the Market in Huddersfield? How Long Does a Property Spend on the Market in Huddersfield? When browsing property portals (Rightmove, Zoopla or On The Market), many people wonder why some Huddersfield homes linger on the market far longer than others. It’s easy to assume there’s something wrong - an issue with the property, an inflated asking price, or a lack of interest - but that’s not always the case. Sometimes, it’s simply down to poor marketing, unrealistic expectations, or even a change in the seller's circumstances. If you’re on the other side of the fence, currently selling a home in Huddersfield, you’ve likely asked yourself: “Why is this taking so long?” Whether your property seems to be lingering on the market or you’re struggling to find that dream home, delays are often a natural by product of the property market’s ebbs and flows. But how long is too long to wait before something changes? Let’s face it, when your home stays unsold longer than expected, frustration sets in. Is it the market? Is the price too high? Or is there simply less demand for your type of property? If your home sits at the premium end of the market, delays are par for the course. Higher value properties have fewer buyers, meaning patience is a virtue - but even so, the right strategy can make all the difference. One of the biggest culprits for a slow sale is overpricing. Even if you’re happy to accept a lower offer, an unrealistic asking price can stop potential buyers from even booking a viewing. First impressions matter, and buyers compare everything they see online before deciding which properties are worth their time. The bottom line? If your price doesn’t align with the market, you’re already at a disadvantage. The Latest Market Trends in Huddersfield The following data highlights how long properties in Huddersfield have been on the market today compared to January 2024, offering insight into recent trends. This isn’t about how long it takes to sell a home but rather the current duration properties have been listed. These figures can help identify shifts in market activity and buyer demand over time. Detached homes in Huddersfield - Average time on the market today is 155 days, compared to 107 days in Jan 2024. Semi-Detached homes in Huddersfield - Average time on the market today is 98 days, compared to 82 days in Jan 2024. Terraced/Town Houses in Huddersfield - Average time on the market today is 94 days, compared to 75 days in Jan 2024. Flats/Apartments in Huddersfield - Average time on the market today is 127 days, compared to 180 days in Jan 2024. Others (Mobile Homes/Building Plots etc) in Huddersfield - 30 for sale in January 2025, compared to 35 - a 14.3% decrease.   An Interesting Huddersfield Property Market for Buyers The overall number of homes available in Huddersfield (town centre plus 2 miles) has increased slightly over the past year, going from 431 in January 2024 to 487 in January 2025. However, it gets even more interesting when we split it down by property type. Here’s the breakdown: Detached homes in Huddersfield - 108 for sale in January 2025, compared to 85 - a 27.1% increase. Semi-Detached homes in Huddersfield - 130 for sale in January 2025, compared to 139 - a 6.5% decrease. Terraced/Town Houses in Huddersfield - 121 for sale in January 2025, compared to 114 - a 6.1% increase. Flats/Apartments in Huddersfield - 98 for sale in January 2025, compared to 58 - a 69.0% increase. Others (Mobile Homes / Building Plots etc) in Huddersfield - 30 for sale in January 2025, compared to 35 - a 14.3% decrease.   The Importance of Presentation of Your Huddersfield Home Buyers today have no shortage of tools to help them browse properties on the portals meaning they can scroll through hundreds of options in a matter of minutes. The average buyer views just 4-5 homes before making a decision on which home to buy, spending barely 25 minutes in each. If your property doesn’t stand out from the crowd with top quality photos, well designed brochures, and engaging video tours, it risks being dismissed without a second thought. It’s not just about having the right asking price - it’s about making sure your home looks and feels irresistible online. Buyers need to imagine themselves living there, and that starts with how your property is presented. Advice for Huddersfield Buyers: Be Proactive, Not Reactive For buyers, finding the perfect home isn’t just about what’s on the market; it’s about being one step ahead. Did you know that around 10% of properties never make it onto the portals? Many buyers miss out on their dream homes simply because they’re relying solely on online searches. Registering directly with estate agents can give you an inside track on upcoming properties before they’re widely advertised.

A Big Thank You to our Valued Clients

 

A Big Thank You to our Valued Clients  Dear Valued Client  We wanted to write to you, our valued clients, to share the great news that we have achieved three awards at the Annual Property Franchise Group Ceremony. The three awards were - Lettings Office of the Year 2024 Brand Leader Award 2024   CEO Award 2024   We wanted to convey our gratitude to all our clients & say a big thank you for your unwavering support over the years, it really is appreciated.  A message from our Managing Director Chan Khangura “ A fantastic occasion enjoyed by all, lots learnt and lots of fun along the way. I was absolutely honoured to receive the CEO Award, a touching moment which I will never ever forget. ''A massive thank you to all the staff for all they do, they deserve the biggest gratitude- regardless of what anyone says the job is not easy but I know you keep the wheels turning (faster and faster it seems) each day. To receive three awards is truly special and so delighted so many of the staff were able to experience the occasion and enjoy the moment”

Are We Building Too Many Homes in Huddersfield?

 

Are We Building Too Many Homes in Huddersfield?   The issue of new housebuilding in the UK stirs strong emotions. Many believe their local areas are turning into construction zones, with too many homes being built, disrupting the character of towns and villages. But is this perception grounded in reality? The Labour government, which came into power in the summer of 2024, has set a bold target: 300,000 homes built annually for the next five years, amounting to 1.5 million new homes by the end of their tenure. This figure sounds ambitious - and perhaps a touch optimistic - when you consider that, as a nation, we've averaged only 170,000 to 180,000 homes per year over the last two decades. The Numbers: Starts, Completions, and Context In the past 12 months, the number of new homes started and completed across the UK has fallen significantly short of the Labour government's target. For instance: Housing starts: 134,570 Housing completions: 158,420 These figures reveal a startling truth: we are building far fewer homes than we need, even as the housing crisis deepens. To meet the government's goal, we must build 10.71 homes annually per 1,000 existing homes. Surely, we are Building Enough New Homes in Huddersfield? Despite concerns about overdevelopment, the data tells a different story. The UK is not building anywhere near enough homes to meet the needs of its growing population. Even independent studies show we must deliver at least 300,000 homes annually to address decades of undersupply and support demographic changes, such as longer life expectancies and smaller household sizes. Many people say we don’t have the space to build these homes, but would it surprise you that only 1.2% of England and Wales is built on with residential homes? If we were to add Scotland to that number, that percentage would tumble even further. Many people in Huddersfield feel the town has become a building site. However, the statistics show we're falling behind, not exceeding, the levels required to maintain a healthy housing market. The visible developments often mask the fact that we are still underperforming nationally.   So, let’s look at the stats for locality … There are 189,797 homes in Kirklees, and 630 new homes were built last year. So, the number of Kirklees homes built per 1,000 existing homes over the past year is 3.32, far below the benchmark required to start to alleviate housing shortages. Who’s Building These Homes? When breaking down the data, it’s clear that new builds are heavily skewed towards the private sector: Private sector: 100% Housing associations: 0% Our Local Authority: 0% While private developers dominate the market, the contribution from housing associations has been modest. However, the local authority's lack of building homes is frankly quite disappointing. This is a critical point: without a greater push from the public sector, especially our local authority, the affordable housing shortfall will persist. Why Aren’t We Building Enough Homes in the UK? There are several reasons for the gap between aspirations and reality: Planning bottlenecks: Many developments are held up by protracted planning processes and local opposition. Land availability: A lack of suitable land - often tied up in greenbelts or agricultural use - limits where homes can be built. Labour and material shortages: Post-pandemic and post-Brexit, the construction industry is struggling with a lack of skilled workers and rising material costs. Resistance to change: Local opposition to new developments is a significant barrier. Concerns over infrastructure, congestion, and the loss of green spaces often dominate public discourse. The Local Impact For homeowners in Huddersfield, the lack of sufficient new builds has real consequences. A restricted supply of homes contributes to higher prices and limited options for buyers and renters. For those looking to move, the challenge isn't just finding a buyer but finding and securing their next home. I understand these frustrations as someone deeply involved in the local Huddersfield property market. It's not just about the numbers but how they affect people's lives. I encourage anyone curious about what these trends mean for their property journey - whether they're looking to sell, buy, or understand the market better - to reach out. There’s no obligation; I’m here to help guide and support you with the knowledge I’ve gained from years in the industry. The Way Forward To address the housing crisis, we need a balanced approach: Empowering all local authorities and housing associations to build more affordable homes. Streamlining the Kirklees planning system to reduce delays and create certainty for developers. Engaging communities to find common ground between development and preserving local character. Supporting sustainable building practices to ensure new developments meet the needs of both current and future generations. Building 300,000 homes a year is a steep climb, but it’s one we must tackle head-on if we are to meet the needs of future generations of Huddersfield people. The question is not whether we are building too many homes but whether we are building enough - and the answer, quite clearly, is no. I certainly know if we are building these extra homes in Huddersfield, the infrastructure alongside these new homes needs to rise as well, like new schools and extra capacity at our hospitals. I'd be delighted to chat if you'd like to discuss how these issues impact the local Huddersfield property market - or your own housing plans. Feel free to give me a call or drop me a message. Together, we can navigate the challenges of the housing market with confidence and clarity.