North East Property Buying Guide

One of the smallest regions of England, the North East has a population of approximately three million people spread out across 3,300 square miles. It comprises four counties: part of North Yorkshire, County Durham, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear.  

With everything from traditional industrial heartlands to thriving modern cities like Newcastle and Sunderland and vast expanses of open natural landscapes, this proud region has it all.

 

Many homebuyers these days are taken by the opportunity to live close to Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the North East does not disappoint. The North Pennines, Kielder Forest Park and Northumberland National Park are all stunning spots, not to mention the epic Northumberland Coast AONB.

 

Whether you’re looking to buy your first or second house, want to downsize or upsize to make more space for your family, or are planning to invest with us, the region promises great short- and long-term prospects.  

 

Whether you want to take your first step into the property market or add another home to your collection, the North East is a brilliant place for both. You'll be spoilt for choice with more affordable properties in up-and-coming areas.

Washington is among the best cities to invest, conveniently close to Newcastle, Sunderland and Gateshead, and scoring highly for potential capital gains and rental yields.

If you’d like to relocate to County Durham, Consett promises excellent short- and long-term prospects. Property prices rose by more than 10% between 2020 and 2023, thanks to the glorious countryside surrounding the town. Enjoy proximity to the North Pennines to the west and the North Sea to the east.

Another up-and-coming area in the North East, Hartlepool, is one of the best places to invest in the region thanks to its thriving student population.

From reemerging towns to exciting cities and villages surrounded by stunning stretches of countryside, property demand in the North East has increased significantly in recent years. It boasts many sought-after areas where buying a house means long-term benefits.

Newcastle

As one of the most famous cities in the North East, Newcastle is the region’s powerhouse, where properties are always in demand. Safe, culturally diverse and with many places to eat, affordable properties also enhance the area’s appeal.

Hexham

Ranking among the best places to live in the North East, Hexham is home to some of Northumberland’s most desirable postcodes. Proximity to Kielder Forest and the Pennines makes it an attractive market town to different types of homebuyers.

Durham

While some parts of Durham are more affordable, others are known for their luxurious properties suited to large budgets. This stunning city on the River Wear is packed with culture and two UNESCO World Heritage sites and is well-connected to nearby areas.

From the best family cities in the North East to secluded spots surrounded by nature, this region offers lifestyles suited to everyone. Here we pick some of the best family-friendly areas in the region to make choosing a family home in the North East easier.

Whickham

If you want to live on the doorstep of one of the best cities to raise a family in the North East, Whickham could be for you. Less than five miles from the centre of Newcastle, the town is ideal for commuting into the city. There’s also a selection of outstanding primary and secondary schools in Wickham.

Allendale Town

If you want to raise your children surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, Allendale Town could be the best place to live in Northumberland. Located within the North Pennines AONB, the village is around 30 miles west of Newcastle, known for its welcoming community spirit.

Stockon-on-Tees

Stockton-on-Tees is ideal for family living thanks to the beautiful nature spots on its doorstep. Enjoy proximity to North York Moors National Park, the North Pennines AONB and the northeastern coast with its glorious sandy beaches.

Ofsted rankings of best schools in the North East

School	Ofsted Rating	Date of Inspection
Whittonstall First School	Good	February 2023
Sacred Heart Catholic High School	Outstanding	November 2021
Eslington Primary School	Outstanding	October 2022
Broomhaugh Church of England First School	Outstanding	March 2020
Eden Boy’s Secondary School	Outstanding	November 2020
Corbridge Middle School	Outstanding	November 2021
Villa Real School	Good	July 2020
Derwentside College	Good	November 2022
Crookhill Community Primary School	Good	December 2022
The Sele First School	Good	September 2022

 

Find countryside properties for sale in the North East, including towns, cities and villages close to Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the coast.

Barnard Castle

This picturesque market town straddles the River Tees in the foothills of the Pennines. With the Yorkshire Dales and nature reserves close by, Barnard Castle is also home to the outstanding Teesdale School and Sixth Form.

Whitby

Between Middlesbrough and Scarborough, Whitby is a charming fishing town with plenty going for it. From Whitby Abbey and Robin Hood’s Bay to spectacular stretches of coastline, new homes here promise endless landscapes to roam.

Cramlington

This town could be ideal if you’re looking for a place to live near Newcastle while being on the doorstep of beautiful natural spaces. Ten miles from the heart of The Toon, Cramlington offers brilliant access to the Northumberland Coast AONB, Northumberland National Park and Kielder Forest Park.

From families to investors and home buyers, the North East’s property market is set to grow significantly in the coming years. Some of the best markets in the region are already well-established. Others are promising up-and-coming areas.

Transport links are crucial in what homebuyers look for. In the North East, the A1(M) connects Yorkshire and the South East of England, stretching north from Newcastle towards the Scottish border.

Train travel links include CrossCountry, Transpennine Express and Northern trains, connecting around major hubs like Newcastle and Sunderland. The Tyne and Wear Metro system connects with other local hotspots effortlessly.

Buying your home in Sunderland

Increasingly cosmopolitan and benefitting from many local investments over recent years, Sunderland boasts exciting culture, great connections and easy access to the coast. Our guide to buying in Sunderland reveals that local rental yields are high for the region, and house prices rose by 5% between 2020 and 2023.

Seaham

A touch further south down the coast from Ryhope, Seaham is an attractive seaside town with a beautiful beach. It also has its train station, with services to Sunderland taking less than ten minutes and Newcastle only half an hour away.

Washington

Noted as one of the UK’s top property hotspots, Washington has a convenient location in the North East. It lies between Newcastle and Durham, only six miles from Sunderland.

Buying your home in Gateshead

Across the River Tyne from Newcastle, Gateshead is a cultural hotspot with great connections. It is home to museums and art galleries, local parks for scenic strolls and plenty of opportunities for day trips.

Springwell

If you’re looking for Gateshead homes on the edge of town, this village could be for you. Springwell is within the City of Sunderland, close to the centre of Newcastle and known for its affordable property.

Buying your home in Hartlepool

North of Middlesbrough, Hartlepool is a port town with excellent prospects. The property market has experienced a steady decrease in property prices, meaning great investment opportunities in Hartlepool.

Buying your home in Stockton-on-Tees

Neighbouring Middlesbrough along the River Tees, Stockton-on-Tees is only 50 minutes from Newcastle by train. New homes in Stockton-on-Tees are always in demand, with local house prices increasing by 6% from 2020 and 2023.

Wynyard

To the north of Stockton, Wynyard is a small village with plenty of possibilities. It is well-connected, has a pleasant atmosphere and has excellent access to natural spaces.

Buying your home in South Shields

South Shields lies on the coast at the mouth of the River Tyne. Nine miles from the centre of Newcastle, the town has a rich history and many great family attractions, including Ocean Beach Pleasure Park. House prices are affordable, despite rising by around 3% between 2019 and 2023.

Whitburn

Between South Shields and Sunderland and only around 12 miles from Newcastle, this attractive village has a desirable location on the coast. With a local beach and nature reserves to explore, Whitburn is a beautiful place to call home.

Buying your home in Tynemouth

Any guide to buying in Tynemouth will note the stunning coastal location, beautiful local scenery and fresh sea air. Just across the river from South Shields, house prices are significantly below the regional average. Property values rose by approximately 25% between 2020 and 2023, revealing the long-term prospects of this lovely spot.