Local estate agents see huge demand for homes in Pudsey as it is voted property hotspot in UK

The west Leeds suburb ranked joint fourth with Keighley in a top ten list compiled by Rightmove, after it saw property prices soar by 11 per cent across the last year.

Average house prices in Pudsey are now around £225,530, but this is still cheaper than the average across Britain.

Situated in between Bradford and Leeds, the area was once an independent town, which was famous for wool manufacture during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Historic buildings still stand today, including the last remaining Medieval “Fold”, Booths Yard, the former Trinity Methodist Chapel, and Pudsey Town Hall, which was built in 1880.

Back-to-back terrace houses filled with period charm are still lived in today, while other listed buildings such as the old Pudsey Grangefield Grammar School have been converted into flats.

Today the market town is a thriving neighbourhood, popular with families and young professionals who appreciate its green spaces, good transport links and busy high street.

Lisa Swain, branch manager at W H Brown in Church Lane, said: "I have been in the business 28 years and all of a sudden Pudsey is the place to be.

"It has got everything going for it for families and couples alike; from its good transport links, the Owlcoates centre with Marks and Spencer's, great local schools and a town centre full of lovely little bars and restaurants.

"There's also a range of properties in the area, including semi-rural homes in areas towards Tong Village, so it caters for all markets.

"We've seen a massive uplift in applications in the area - when we compare our figures for 2019 versus 2020, we've seen a 66 per cent increase in active buyers looking in the area.

"At the moment we're seeing a very high demand but not enough supply which is pushing prices up and we are selling houses within days of going to the market."

She added: "I think what people are looking for is to be part of a community, especially moving forward from the pandemic.

"Over the last two years, Pudsey has become a much more vibrant community, with many more local events, such as the Scarecrow Festival, the farmer's market, Christmas markets and the light turn-on, and festive decorations all along the high street.

"There are also volunteers who go around keeping the area clean and tidy, maintaining our beautiful and award-winning park.

"It is also cheaper than nearby areas such as Rawdon, so people are still in close proximity but are getting much more value for money and a great, vibrant and friendly town to call home.

"Pudsey has become a bit of a Leeds hotspot."

Luke Gidney, is the managing director at HOP, which has an office in Bradford Road and the city centre.

His company has seen a huge increase in sales in west Leeds and is opening a new branch in Horsforth to meet the customer demand.

Mr Gidney said: "Over the years, we've seen a trend of people wanting to move further into the outskirts, to places like Pudsey and the surrounding areas.

"Recently we've seen that trend go into overdrive.

"People now want to have a house, garden and much more space and they are also thinking about other factors like schools and working from home.

"I think it has gone absolutely crazy because of the pandemic, but there is also a long-term aspirational drive for people to live in these types of homes rather than a flat.

"We've seen that in both rental and residential markets."

He added: "Pudsey is a picturesque and historic town, with a range of nice-looking properties and lovely surrounding areas like Farsley and Calverley.

"There is also a good little community there as well and lots of local restaurants and pubs,

"The transport links are excellent as it is close to the ring road and from New Pudsey railway station it is just a couple of stops into the city centre.

"When you compare what you get in Pudsey with other areas, the property prices are circa £50k to £80k less for the same size houses.

"There has been more demand for people to set up their families in areas like Horsforth or Roundhay because it is seen as 'aspirational' which is why they prices are more expensive.

"Pudsey hasn’t seen the same ‘aspirational drive’ from people to live there, but it does look like this could change.

"And those people who are choosing Pudsey not only get much better value, and bigger house size for their budget, they also get a fantastic community feel, a real town centre and all of the amenities that come with it such as great transport links, good restaurants and pubs, nice parks and good schools

"It is good value for money but also has a lot to offer."

John Putsman, branch manager of Manning Stainton’s Pudsey branch: “Pudsey has become a hugely popular suburb over the past few years, with house sales in the area

increasing year-on-year.

"Over the past few months in particular, we’ve seen a real surge in demand, with some Pudsey properties on the market with us receiving multiple offers from buyers in the first

couple of weeks they’re listed.

"Prices are still affordable in the suburb, although a shortage of stock and its increasing popularity are pushing them upwards.

“In terms of why it’s so popular, there are a number of reasons. It boasts some great schools and has good connections to the city centre thanks to a local train station, plus there has also been an emergence of some brilliant new bars and restaurants over the past couple of years.

"It’s a great place to live and we expect its popularity to continue.”