HOUSING activity in Keighley is buoyant, according to an estate agency.

Large numbers of homebuyers and investors are being attracted to the town and its surrounding villages, says Dacre, Son & Hartley.

The company – which has a residential office in North Street – has recently secured a raft of new instructions, ranging from terraced homes at the lower end of the market to substantial family properties in their own extensive grounds.

And it is experiencing strong demand for all types of home, with those priced up to £200,000 proving particularly popular.

Michael Leighton, head of Dacre, Son & Hartley's Keighley office, said: "Since the start of the year we have seen a noticeable increase in market activity from both buyers and sellers alike.

"We currently have a healthy number of sales going through, with investors and first-time buyers accounting for a large proportion of our purchasers.

"Recently we have also seen an increase in enquiries for properties at the higher end of the market."

The agency says that in addition, a growing number of investors are returning to the market and taking advantage of strong rental demand in the area.

Ashleigh Neville, DS&H lettings manager in Keighley, added: "Demand continues to outstrip supply in Keighley's rental market and we have a growing database of high quality tenants who are looking for property in the area.

"We've recently seen a number of existing landlords, who traditionally operate outside the area, taking advantage of this and adding properties in Keighley to their portfolios.

"However, we still require more stock to meet demand and urge any landlords, or empty property owners, to contact us for a free market appraisal and to find out how they can maximise their property's rental value."