AWB Charlesworth, has three offices in Skipton, Keighley and Bradford. We therefore keep a keen eye on a large swathe of God’s Own County. And something interesting is happening in the ex-City of Culture.

How have house prices performed in 2025?

This is the 2026 January data from the ONS. Whilst the annual price increase in Bradford is 7.3%, for semi-detached properties the increase is greater still at around 8.5%. These rates are considerably higher than the national house price increase for England which sat at 2.2% last year.

Area	Average house price	Annual price increase	Annual rent increase
Bradford	£189,000	7.3%	4.4%
England	£293,000	2.2%	4%

So, what’s happening?

Immediately after the pandemic, there was a ‘race for space’ where households couped up during Covid, looked for large houses and larger gardens often in more rural areas to spread out. Now five years later, things have very much changed. Higher mortgage rates, inflation and the cost of living crisis have heaped on costs to households who may not have seen their salaries increase at the same rate. Living in the countryside with little public transport and relying on oil heating (not cheaper gas) adds additional costs and has sent many people back towards more urban or suburban living. A glut of rural and larger houses has depressed that end of the market, and house price growth has been subdued.

But something else is happening.

Maybe the City of Culture has had an effect introducing the city to new visitors, developing local pride in its residents and reducing the flow of young leaving the city. Maybe the improvements in the city centre, pedestrianisation and public realm have contributed to a feel-good factor and desire to live locally. Maybe Bradford City being promoted and now sitting at touching distance of a second promotion has raised the city’s profile and confidence.

Could rental yield in Bradford be a contributing factor?

And maybe the rental yield value (annual rent divided by purchase price) has boosted Bradford house prices. Rental yields vary between 7 to 10.2%, better than nearby Leeds, and as house prices are low, it is an accessible market for entry-level investors.

Increased house prices are not always brilliant news, as they price out people on low incomes. But to see Bradford on its uppers must, surely, be considered ‘good news’.

For expert advice and more information on all aspects of residential property, please contact Declan Hayes on 01756 692888 or email declan.hayes@awbclaw.co.uk

Declan Hayes, Solicitor and Director, Lexcel accredited, CQS accredited.

Further reading:

“Buyer beware” and “safe as houses”… two contradictory phrases.

When you’re in a pickle with your house sale, think indemnity insurance

How will the mansion tax work? And will it effect the property market?