Bradford Local Property Guide
Welcome to Bradford
What do the Brontë sisters, David Hockney and Zayn Malik all have in common? They’re all from the vibrant city of Bradford, West Yorkshire. Home to impressive film connections, modern art galleries and buzzing culture, there’s more to Bradford than meets the eye.
Step into Bradford, a city full of culture and entertainment, with incredible landscapes of the surrounding Yorkshire countryside. And it sure boasts some impressive appeal: it’s become the first UNESCO City of Film with a proud history in the film industry dating back to the First World War and is a popular filming location for TV shows such as Peaky Blinders, Happy Valley and The Crown. In addition, Saltaire Village is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it certainly has many merits to enjoy.
Buzzing with eccentricity, this city is a welcoming, inclusive and diverse place that many call home. And it appears to be having quite a moment: it’s been awarded UK City of Culture 2025, so expect events on the horizon and a true vibrancy in the lead-up to 2025 and beyond.
Whether you’ve got your heart set on 4-bedroom houses for sale in Bradford or a modern apartment in a listed building, our guide will help you learn more about the city and determine the right neighbourhood in which to buy. See what’s on offer and how to meet local estate agents in Bradford.
Find your local estate agent in Bradford
If you’re thinking of selling your home in Bradford and want to take the next step, finding the right estate agent can help your home-buying and selling journey. To talk to a local expert in Bradford home sales and lettings, book a free property valuation. It’s as easy as popping in your postcode to view the agents near you.
Living in Bradford at a glance
Living in Bradford comes with unique experiences, a cross-cultural understanding and an endless list of things to enjoy and sights to see. If you’re considering moving to Bradford, then you can expect to indulge in a wide range of entertainment, nightlife and history – not forgetting the world-renowned curry culture.
The proximity to Leeds makes the city and its suburbs an enticing and much more affordable alternative for those looking for a city that offers everything from exciting nightlife, fantastic food, an electric arts scene and endless shopping options. Despite the built-up city, green spaces aren’t in short supply, with several parks to stroll around. Peel Park holds Green Flag status and offers a calming lake for all visitors. What’s more, Bradford couldn’t be better placed as a gateway out towards the Yorkshire Dales, where you can explore the moors, valleys, hills and villages.
If you’re interested in looking at Bradford houses for sale, keep reading to discover a handful of the top neighbourhoods.
Getting around Bradford
Bradford’s central position in the heart of the north of England makes onward travel to the rest of the country straightforward and accessible. Located in West Yorkshire, it’s just 10 miles from Leeds and around 44 miles southwest of York. It’s also 40 miles from Manchester and just under 40 miles from Sheffield, making it a central location to neighbouring cities. Although the surrounding cities are more well-known, Bradford is actually the third largest city within the Yorkshire and The Humber region, after Leeds and Sheffield.
For air travel, Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) is just 8 miles northeast of Bradford and offers a host of domestic and international routes.
By train
Rail links from the city’s two railway stations (Bradford Interchange and Bradford Forester Square) are frequent and fast. Bradford Interchange offers frequent routes to Leeds and Halifax, as well as quick routes to York, Manchester, Blackpool, Huddersfield and Preston. Bradford Forester Square has direct services to London Kings Cross station, taking around 3.5 hours.
By road
Circling Bradford is the A6177, easily connecting drivers to the M606 and onwards to the M62, A1 and M6 for travel around the country.
It’s worth noting that the Bradford Clean Air Zone has been live since September 2022, and continues to operate to improve air quality in the city. While passenger cars and motorcycles are not charged (resident or otherwise), other vehicles (such as motorhomes, vans and lorries) may be charged. You can check whether you’ll need to pay on the government’s Drive in a Clear Air Zone website. If you live inside the Bradford District, you could be entitled to an exemption for your vehicle.
By bicycle
Cycling is a great way to get around Bradford. The Council has a map of most cycling routes, bridleways and paths which can be found here. Whether you’re a solo cyclist on the commute to work or a family of four looking for a fun day of cycling, there are many safe routes around Bradford that allow you to see the sights while getting from A to B.
Cost of living in Bradford
If you’re moving to Bradford, you may be pleasantly surprised when you learn you get to keep more money in your pocket. As an affordable area, Bradford is known for its properties for sale, utility bills and everyday food items. As affordability is one of the variables when choosing a place to live, the city offers a variety of districts at various price points, whether you’re looking for a flat or house for sale in Bradford.
Bradford properties for sale
Are you thinking of buying a house in Bradford? Bradford boasts a competitive average house price of just £176,477. Currently, it sits at less than the UK average house price of £291,000, and the Yorkshire and The Humber region at £210,156, according to the UK House Price Index.
There are plenty of affordable properties for sale in Bradford, whether you’re looking for a 4-bedroom house with a garden or a modern flat with all the amenities. In this Yorkshire hotspot, the hardest part can be choosing a location!
The average costs by property type in Bradford (at the time of writing, November 2023):
Detached house: £323,995
Semi-detached: £188,484
Terraced: £144,024
Flat: £114,982
With affordable options to choose from, where will you choose to buy? Let’s take a look at a handful of the top neighbourhoods to consider.
Neighbourhoods in Bradford
Shipley
Average house price: £212,416
The town of Shipley is 4 miles north of the city centre. It’s a quaint town with traditional terraced houses in addition to modern apartments to suit a range of homeowners and professionals.
For something a little more special, head to the village of Saltaire, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll be transported back to the mid-19th century at the Salts Mill, named after Sir Titus Salt, who owned the textile mill. Here, you’ll find beautiful properties that have been well cared for and modernised, often while restoring original features such as fireplaces and floorboards.
See more properties for sale in Shipley, Bradford.
Bingley
Average house price: £264,544
The town of Bingley sits on the outskirts of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, around 5 miles north of Bradford’s downtown. It’s renowned for beautiful, picturesque surroundings, elegant buildings and warm local communities. With miles of hiking in the Dales on your doorstep, there’s so much nature to explore. Not just that, but Bingley offers residents independent stores, eateries and bars as well as grammar and primary schools for families.
While there are fewer job opportunities in Bingley than in larger cities like Bradford or Leeds, for retired individuals or those working remotely, the town’s relaxed atmosphere and welcoming locals more than make up for it.
Enjoy beautiful Bingley houses for sale.
Ilkley
Average house price: £567,413
Tucked away on the southern fringe of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Ilkey is one of Bradford’s priciest neighbourhoods. It’s a favourite location for those looking to live in a stunning town with various high-end stores, restaurants and places to shop on a Saturday morning. With Ilkley Moor within easy access, a gorgeous natural area with miles of fresh air and countryside views, it makes for a wonderful place to live.
Check out the idyllic Ilkley properties for sale.
Bradford fact pack
Bradford became the world’s first UNESCO City of Film in 2009
It’s been awarded the UK City of Culture for 2025
It’s situated at the foothills of the Pennines
Known for its curry houses, it’s been dubbed the Curry Capital of Britain
Time to London: 3hrs 10mins
Population: 536,986
Average temperature in winter: 6C
Average temperature in summer: 20C
Average house price: £176,477
Average monthly rent: £581
Households: 209,900
Schools: 127
Helpful links
All of the city services and information, including schools, parking and healthcare:
Transport in and around London:
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Looking to move to Bradford? Whether you’re a film buff, a young professional looking for a buzzing city atmosphere or a family looking for a good location to settle, Bradford is one of the top picks.
Whatever the reason, start exploring houses to buy in Bradford that can suit your needs and budget. Get started on your home search and connect with your estate agent in Bradford.