As we move towards the end of summer, there are encouraging signs of confidence across the North Northumberland property market.
While the wider UK market has experienced a more subdued summer, Northumberland has demonstrated impressive resilience. Latest figures show average house prices in the county increasing by 12.6% compared with 2025, comfortably ahead of the 4.3% annual growth recorded across the North East, with Northumberland also recording the highest average house price of any local authority in the region.
For those of us working at the heart of the market in Alnwick, this reflects what we have been experiencing locally. There remains a genuine appetite for good-quality homes, particularly those offering the character, space and lifestyle that Northumberland is so well known for.
Lifestyle continues to drive demand
Alnwick and the surrounding area offer something that is increasingly difficult to find elsewhere: beautiful countryside, the spectacular Northumberland Heritage coastline, strong communities and an exceptional quality of life.
This continues to attract a broad range of buyers, from local families and those relocating to the area, to retirees and purchasers looking for a change of lifestyle.
The second home market has undoubtedly been more challenging, and we have seen a noticeable change in the type of buyer coming into the market. Rather than purchasing a property simply as a holiday home or holiday let, more buyers are now choosing to make Northumberland their main home.
A successful summer for our Alnwick branch
I am particularly proud of the performance of the team and I in our Alnwick branch between June and August.
During this period, we have completed sales of over £12 million, demonstrating the continued strength of the market across North Northumberland.
From family homes in and around Alnwick to rural and coastal properties, activity has remained strong across a range of price points. The results reflect the confidence that sellers continue to place in us and, importantly, the continued demand from buyers who recognise what an exceptional place Northumberland is to call home.
Looking ahead to autumn
As we move into the autumn market, we remain positive.
There are, of course, wider economic challenges and affordability remains an important consideration for many buyers. However, North Northumberland continues to benefit from strong underlying demand and a lifestyle that remains incredibly attractive.
The market may have changed, and buyers may be more considered than they were a few years ago, but the reasons people want to live in Northumberland have not.
For us, the summer’s results provide every reason for confidence as we look ahead to the autumn market.
To arrange a free, no obligation valuation on your property, please do not hesitate to contact myself or the team in Alnwick on 01665 600170 or alnwick@sandersonyoung.co.uk.
Market data sourced from the Office for National Statistics and UK House Price Index. June 2026 house-price figures are provisional and subject to revision.