THE New Year has seen the property market sparking back to life with a rush of fresh for sale boards appearing throughout York and surrounding areas.

Estate agents, on the whole, remain cautiously optimistic about the year ahead – there are no rash claims being made and certainly no expectations of a new price bubble blowing in the wind.

In fact, many of the new arrivals on the market have been very sensibly priced. Here are some neatlyturned- out examples… Starting with an executive, detached family home in Teachers Close on the Revival development at the top of Tadcaster Road in Dringhouses.

This is a really smart example of its kind, a modern home with lots of room to romp around in and with some high spec touches throughout.

We particularly loved the Lshaped open plan dining kitchen which is beautifully fitted with plenty of integrated appliances including a five ring gas hob with double oven while the family/dining area has tri-fold doors opening to the garden (should be fantastic once Spring finally arrives).

There is more to enjoy on the ground floor, including a large lounge and a separate games room or second reception room.

On the first floor there is a brilliant master bedroom with dressing area and en-suite, two further bedrooms and a bathroom.

And we’re not finished yet – on the top floor there are two double bedrooms sharing a bathroom.

With gardens front and back, a driveway with parking space for three cars and a garage, this is a quality package, offered by Quantum at £414,950. Further details: 01904 631631.

That’s our highest priced house this week – we now move to a quartet of homes which are all below the £250,000 three per cent stamp duty threshold.

The first of these is an attractive period home in Beaconsfield Street, Acomb. This is a large bayfronted terraced house which has obviously been well cared for by the current owners and is very smartly presented, nicely blending period pieces like high ceilings, coving and architraving with more contemporary touches.

Highlights include a smart lounge, delightful dining room with built in alcove cupboards and shelving and nicely fitted kitchen. Upstairs there are two bedrooms and a house bathroom and third box room.

There’s a forecourt garden to the front and a good sized yard to the back. The asking price is £172,500. Further details from Ashtons on 01904 659222.

Out next pick is in the very popular Heworth Village, a great area with a good community spirit and a good range of local shops and amenities and within walking distance of York city centre.

Number 59 is very much a character property, a period cottage which has been tastefully refurbished and presented. What did we like here? Well, the quite beautiful through living/dining rooms for a start… Combined, the two give you a 20ft-plus run, both rooms being light, bright and tastefully decorated and boast ceiling cornices, large alcove shelving and cupboard areas and with a modern fire and hearth at its centre. Pretty as a picture, as it were.

The ground floor is completed with a modern, delightfully turned out kitchen while upstairs there are two bedrooms and a house bathroom.

Smart house in a smart area, the price is £185,000 and interested parties should contact Stephensons on 01904 625533.

We’re taking a trip out of town for our next property, anothedelightful cottage-style home, this one in Church Lane, Elvington.

If you are looking for character and charm this is the place for you.

As with the Heworth property, this is a home which has been very cleverly refurbished, keeping its traditional touches while also introducing contemporary comforts.

The breakfast kitchen is an excellent example of this thoughtful blend, having a good range of modern fitted wall and floor units including an integral fridge, freezer and dishwasher, an electric oven with ceramic bob and solid wood block work surfaces and central preparation island.

The living room, too, is a welcoming room, a good space with an exposed brick fireplace with open fire giving it a nice, warm, cosy feel.

Trotting up the stairs we find two good-sized bedrooms, facing front and back with sash windows providing plenty of light, and a house bathroom.

Externally, there is also much to admire – the cottage has a pleasant facade including a 19th Century lych gate style porch and a timber door with stained glass window while to the rear is a small courtyard accessed by French doors. The main garden (accessed by a shared walkway) includes lawned areas with mature trees and a summer house. And as an additional bonus there is a converted outbuilding which stands as a studio/workroom with its own WC and sink.

Again, a good property in a good spot and with a very reasonable asking price of £229,950. Further details from Hudson Moody on 01904 650650.

And now, in our last but not least spot, we come to a city slicker apartment in Woodsmill Quay, Skeldergate – right in the heart of York and overlooking the Ouse.

“Location, location and stylish city living with river views,” as Hunters personal agent Paul Atkinson bills it, this is an ideal choice for those who are looking for a smart pad close to the heart of the action but far enough away to have a peaceful feel.

What’s on offer here is a decentsized (24ft) open plan lounge/dining room with river views from windows to the front. There is a separate and well-fitted modern kitchen with a good range of appliances including cooker and hob, fridge, freezer and dishwasher, a master bedroom with en-suite shower room, a second double bedroom and a shower room.

The package is completed by communal courtyard and the asking price is £219,950.

Would-be city-slickers can contact Paul Atkinson of Hunters on 01904 689777.