A guide to holiday homes in Yorkshire

With stunning coastline, sweeping landscapes, bustling cities, quaint villages and plenty of history and heritage, Yorkshire has something for everyone.

And with staycations high on the post-pandemic agenda for many Brits, it’s no wonder that millions of us flock to Yorkshire every year to enjoy all the county has to offer.

Yorkshire has always been one of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations for many generations, but in recent years has also experienced a boom in people investing in property to use either as second homes or holiday lets.

With a buoyant market and plenty of investment potential, it remains a go-to destination for people looking to buy a bolthole for summer getaways and winter breaks.

So, if you’re looking to invest in a holiday home in Yorkshire, here are a few things to consider…

Holiday home locations in Yorkshire

As we said above, if you’re looking to invest in a holiday home in Yorkshire, there’s so much going on that you’re sure to be able to find your dream property.

Here are a few of the natural attractions that Yorkshire has to offer:

The Yorkshire Coast

If coastal living is your thing, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Yorkshire, which benefits from some of the most stunning coastline in the UK.

Stretching more than 90 miles, from Spurn Point in the south to Staithes in the north, the Yorkshire coast boasts Victorian seaside resorts, iconic harbour towns and the outstanding North York Moors.

Scarborough is considered the world’s first seaside resort, while nearby Whitby inspired the author Bram Stoker to create the classic gothic horror novel Dracula.

Robin Hood’s Bay, Filey, Bridlington and Staithes are among the many beautiful towns and fishing villages dotted along the coastline.

The Yorkshire Moors

The Yorkshire Moors are made up of 500 square miles of moorland, ancient woods, beautiful countryside and picturesque villages.

It’s a place to discover amazing nature, historic abbeys and castles, traditional pubs and villages and hamlets with a wonderful history.

It’s the perfect place for walking, cycling and horse-riding, giving you the chance to explore breath-taking coastal paths, steep-sloped valleys and stunning woodland on the same day.

City living

If you prefer a holiday with a bit more hustle and bustle, Yorkshire boasts its fair share of destinations for shopping and nightlife.

Leeds and York are among the top retail destinations in the UK, and both offer vibrant leisure and hospitality scenes. Other places worth a visit include Huddersfield, Bradford and Halifax.

Making the most of your Yorkshire holiday home

If you’re buying a holiday home in Yorkshire, either as a second property or to let it out, then thinking about your long-term intentions for the property is a must, as this will help determine the type of mortgage you need.

A holiday home mortgage is quite different from a holiday let mortgage, so being clear on what you will primarily use your property for is essential.

If you’re planning on letting it out, at least some of the time, then you’ll probably need a holiday let mortgage, which is specifically designed for this type of property.

Strict rules govern how properties are classed as holiday lets because HMRC views them as income-generating businesses. So, the lending criteria for holiday let mortgages are much tighter, and the application process is more robust, which means you’d really benefit from specialist help when you’re applying for a holiday let mortgage.

If you are planning to buy a holiday let, it’s essential to understand the market you are targeting to make sure the property you are renting out appeals to your target audience.

For example, if you’re buying a large holiday cottage, is it family-friendly? Does it have plenty to do to keep children occupied? Does it have enough bathrooms and privacy for large groups?

If you’re investing in a city apartment, is it close to the amenities? Does it have mod-cons like wifi?

What’s the parking like?

These are all things you need to consider when investing in a holiday property, as they could affect your success at renting them out.

The final thing to consider is the financial commitments.

Saving for a deposit and getting a mortgage is one thing, but many other costs are involved in buying a holiday home. Moving costs, refurbishment and repairs, insurance, decorating and gas/electrical safety checks can all mount up, particularly if you have a limited budget.

So, too, can marketing or advertising costs and ongoing servicing, management or maintenance fees you may need to pay to keep your holiday home clean and tidy in-between lets. There’s so much to think about.

However, if you decide to take the plunge and invest, there are plenty of fantastic properties across Yorkshire which offer tremendous potential as a holiday let or investment property.