Leeds Property Market and Real Estate Guide

(Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, UK)

Leeds is a cosmopolitan city in West Yorkshire, north England. Many buy and rent here to take advantage of the excellent educational facilities, parks and shops. There is also a buzzing nightlife scene with numerous entertainment venues, bars, clubs and restaurants.

Both high-value and bargain properties can be sourced in Leeds and prices vary greatly depending on the area. Large houses can be bought or rented on the outskirts of Leeds for the same price as small apartments in the city centre.


Houses here mainly consist of back-to-back terraces. Properties close to the university and colleges are attractive to buyers, as they can be rented out on a per-room basis. Roundhay is one of the more affluent areas, while Headingley and Hyde Park are also popular due to their close proximity to Leeds University.

Bargain properties can be found in the city's blue-collar areas, such as Compton, Armley and Burley. These parts of town exhibit the slightly grittier side of Leeds life but are still close enough to the city's slick amenities.

Renting Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments can be rented in the financial district of Leeds, as well as beside the River Aire. Many of these fully-furnished, boutique-style complexes come at a high price and exist within gated communities.

Everything from one-bedroom studio flats to large penthouses can be rented on both a long and a short-term basis. Monthly rates decrease as rental contracts extend, but tenants should expect to pay considerably more for serviced developments than for regular furnished apartments.

Most flats come with kitchens and many complexes have onsite amenities such as gyms. Additional costs like utility bills, community service charges and council tax are also often included in the price. At least one month's rent is usually required as a deposit, along with guarantor details and a good reference.

Buying Apartments and Houses

Buying property in Leeds can be a worthwhile investment, as rentals are always in high demand. Prices vary considerably depending on the area, so sending an email to local agents documenting your exact requirements is a good way to start.

While there are no restrictions of foreigners purchasing property in Leeds, those from outside the EU should be prepared to pay a 25 percent deposit. A lawyer will need to transfer the title deeds and taxes, and negotiate a deal for fixtures and fittings. Buyers will also need an up-to-date Home Information Pack (HIP) from the local authority.

Those looking to buy-to-rent must register this with the local council, even if renting through an agent. An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is required if the property is to be let.

Real Estate Agents

National and local estate agents are in abundance in Leeds, although the smaller agencies often have a better knowledge of the local market. A professional-looking website and good customer reviews are often the best indicators of reliable agents.

Check out the following Leeds real estate agents:

Parklane Properties
Address: Parklane, 25-27 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3AA, England, UK
Tel: +44 0113 230 4949
Email: LS6@parklaneproperties.com
Website: www.parklaneproperties.com
Parklane has the biggest range of student accommodation in Leeds but also caters to the professional market.

He-re Estates and Rentals
Address: Leeds Bridge House, Hunslet Road, Leeds, LS10 1JN, UK
Tel: +44 0113 225 1313
Email: sam@he-re.com
Website: www.he-re.co.uk
He-re has more than 15 years of experience and a range of properties to suit all budgets, from student lettings to luxury apartments.

Castlehill
Address: 21 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3AA, England, UK
Tel: +44 0113 278 7427
Email: enquiries@castlehill.co.uk
Website: www.castlehill.co.uk
Based just outside the city centre in Headingley, Castlehill maintains an up-to-date website with property floor plans and photographs.