The beautiful historical city of York consistently tops ‘Best Place to Live’ polls, so it’s no wonder you’re interested in buying a house in the area.
From updates about the latest new build developments to how to find a mortgage, here’s everything you need to know about buying a house in York this year.
Check out the new developments
York is a hub of cultural and property development at the moment. For example, check out the new build sites in Fulford that offer modern housing ideal for first time buyers close to the city centre.
For a historical new build, why not check out the Chocolate Works, properties built from the converted Terry’s chocolate factory. Near the racecourse and just a five minute walk from the hip Bishopthorpe Road area - these properties always get snapped up fast.
If you’re looking ahead to 2020 and beyond, keep a close eye on the Castle Gateway and York Railway developments. Thousands of new homes are set to be built in these city centre locations over the next few years.
Spend time in the city and surrounding area
The city centre of York is appealing for many people, but the lesser-known city suburbs and surrounding villages are also stunning, with plenty of access to transport links and local amenities.
Before you start looking for a house in York, take a few long weekends to really get to know the city and surrounding area. A drive around the nearby villages may change your ideas about what you want – and need – from a house, so give it a go!
Find a local mortgage adviser in York
York’s history comes with a price when you’re looking at properties. Living in the suburbs still gives you ‘the York experience’ but often means you can afford more house for your budget.
Before you decide on the area you’d like to live in, find out how much money you’ll have in your budget.
Speak to a mortgage adviser in York to find the right mortgage deal for your personal circumstances. Their local knowledge of the area will also help to answer your questions about getting a mortgage on a period property, or how to buy a new build in one of the latest developments.
Get surveys on historical buildings
York is beautiful and steeped in history but that means many properties are also very old indeed. Period properties look amazing on the surface but if you find a house you want to buy, it’s imperative you get the right surveys done before you exchange contracts.
Subsidence, for example, is common in older terraced houses. The subsidence may be old and entirely settled by now, but you’ll need an expert surveyor to confirm this.
Ask your solicitor to conduct a flood report
It’s no secret that York floods on a regular basis. The confluence of the Foss and River Ouse mean most of York is surrounded by water. It was a great defence in medieval times, but these days is more of a worry for drivers parking on the wharf.
Even if you think your property is well away from the river it’s worth getting a flood report done before you buy the property you’ve got your eye on. This will help you to determine the level of flood risk, and how this may impact on your insurance or repair costs should the worst happen.
York’s flood defences have improved in recent years and works are ongoing. Construction for new flood walls where the Foss and Ouse converge will begin this summer, while other defences further down the river are already under way.
Chancel Repair Liability is a real thing in York
You may also want to consider getting a Chancel Repair Liability Search and indemnity on a property in the centre of York. This is because there are historical churches on almost every corner! York was built on trade guilds and every guild had their own church. That means there are many properties built on church land – and this leads to a liability for chancel repair, even today.
While most chancel repair liabilities are not called upon or collected, there is still the possibility this may happen in York. It’s no big deal though; you’ll simply need to put in place an indemnity policy. This insurance is cheaper than paying out for church repairs.
Check the archaeological details of your property
Much of York is built on plague pits. Or remains of a Roman fortress. Or on a Viking wharf.
This makes it a fascinating place to live but may mean your property comes with additional restrictions that you need to check out before you buy.
The restrictions can affect your plans for extensions or renovations. If, for example, you fall in love with a terraced house in Bishophill inside the city walls, you won’t be able to put a skylight into the roof facing the walls.
If you plan to dig in your garden and your house is where you could find something incredible like a Viking hoard, you’ll have to invite the archaeologists in before you carry on any work.
The rules on this vary depending on which area your property is in, so it’s always worth checking the paperwork to find out if your house is in an Area of Archaeological Importance before you sign a contract.
Note that the Treasure Act applies anywhere, so if you really do discover a Viking hoard things get a bit complex wherever you live!
Find out more about our Mortgage Advice service in York