North Yorkshire continues to be one of the strongest housing markets across the North-East and Cumbria, according to the latest Northern Rock Houseprice quarterly survey.

Out of ten areas surveyed over the last three months, seven of the ten house types registered a price increase in North Yorkshire from February to April.

Helped by the lowest mortgage rates since the England football team won the World Cup in 1966, the steady demand for property across the North-East and Cumbria is predicted to gather momentum as the spring home buying season gets underway.

An average quarterly rise of 0.6 per cent increased the average house price in North Yorkshire to £62,800. The executive housing market remains healthy across the top two categories, with new four-bedroom detached properties increasing in value by £3,300 over the quarter to £110,950.

Despite a dip in value over the quarter for two-bedroom post-war terraced housing, the first-time buyer market has generally recorded steady price rises with the two-bedroom flat registering a strong increase of nearly two per cent to £41,400.

Branch manager at estate agent Bairstow Eves Whitby branch, Keith Guy, said: "All sectors of the market continue to show gradual increases. Interest rate reductions have encouraged first-time buyers to enter the market creating the climate for local movers. Prices are rising and there is a shortage of properties coming on to the market to replace those which have been sold."

Northern Rock senior valuer, Alistair Laws, said: "We have seen a steady upturn in activity in the housing market with a growing demand from house buyers for property across the region.

"With average property prices in the region remaining at affordable levels, there are signs that now is a good time for home buyers looking for a sound property at a fair price to make their move.

"Mortgage rates are at their lowest for 33 years, and with general indications showing an increase in activity from prospective house buyers following the traditionally quiet winter period, consumer confidence is strengthening. We seem to be on course for a buoyant spring across the region's housing market."

The average price of a home in the North-East and Cumbria is now £58,100, representing a rise of £1,600 over the past year. Newcastle records the highest average house price for all ten types at £63,500 and Teesside show the most affordable at £53,800.

Houseprice survey is compiled by Northern Rock's Research Department from information supplied by a panel of over 200 estate agents and valuers from all over the North-East and Cumbria.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.