Housing hotspots for top school catchment areas revealed in Leeds as buyers rush to view homes

In the week where thousands of students across the country discovered which secondary school they’ll attend, Purplebricks said Rounday, Horsforth and Tadcaster were the three most popular housing hotspots for buyers looking to the future education of their children.

Houses in Leeds near top-rated schools can typically go for five to ten thousand pounds more than the average home nearby, the estate agents revealed.

In some areas, property prices can soar £20k above similar homes if they fall within the catchment area of an outstanding school.

Mark Whincup, Purplebricks spokesperson for Leeds said 'there is always a desire for families to buy a house within the catchment area of a good school'.

He added: "Houses in Leeds near top-rated schools can typically go for five to ten thousand pounds more than the average home nearby, and in some cases command up to £20k where demand is especially high.

“In Roundhay and Horsforth, where there are very popular secondary schools, house sales remain strong throughout the year but we do see a spike in people looking when the school application deadline is looming.

“Other popular areas in Leeds include the postcodes LS18 and LS28. Tadcaster Grammar and its feeder school, Riverside Primary School, receive a high number of applications.

"We always advise people to get themselves into the best offering position with plenty of time to move, well ahead of the application date.”

Mark gave his top tips to secure a family home near a top-rated Leeds school

He said:

● Make the move early, don’t leave it to the last minute. If you have kids that are coming up to school age, it’s good to start looking now at schools you want them to go to. Secondary schools take the vast majority of children from a list of feeder schools, so it’s never too early to think about where you want to be based long term.

● There will be a lot of competition for a house in a good catchment but there are ways of making yourself more attractive as a buyer. Put yourself in the best offering position by being a ‘proceedable buyer’, with a firm offer on your existing property and have a mortgage agreement in place. It could even be worth selling your current property so that you’re a chain free buyer.

● Do your research and ask your local property expert about the catchment areas as they will have a good knowledge of the market.

Many people who initially purchased a property hoping to make the March deadline will now be feeling a great sense of relief about the extra time they have to complete on their purchase, without having the worry of paying for Stamp Duty.

Mark said the announcement was a 'real boost' for first time buyers.

He added: “With many people reassessing their needs and their priorities during the Covid pandemic, today’s news of the Stamp Duty extension is likely to spur more people onto the market. Whether buyers want a bigger garden, a home office or space for a home gym, now is the time for them to find their dream home.”

“Today’s announcement is a real boost for first time buyers, many of whom need a helping hand onto the property market. In Leeds, there are several first time buyer hotspots, including Chapel Allerton and Meanwood, which are trendy spots with bars, cafes and good schools. Kirkstall and Bramley are also popular, with plenty of affordable homes and great transport links into the city centre. And Falsely has a lovely village feel to it, with plenty of good schools for families.”