The most in demand North East postcodes so far in 2022 for house hunters have been revealed by online estate agent Purplebricks.
They analysed viewings of properties and their locations across the whole of the region for their findings.
And they represent a mix of houses but with a trend towards semi rural properties and the coast - a quest for space which began with Covid lockdowns.
Go here for the latest regional affairs and North East politics news
In what is known as the Newcastle upon Tyne postcode area - NE - which has 61 postcode districts within 34 towns across Tyne and Wear and Northumberland, the most in demand were NE12; NE63; NE23; NE6 and NE5.
For the Sunderland, 'SR' postcode area which has a group of eight postcode districts within three towns including Sunderland, Seaham and Peterlee, the most in demand were SR8 and SR7.
Finally in the DH - Durham - postcode area, which has 12 postcode districts in five towns including Durham, Chester-le-Street, Consett, Stanley as well as Houghton-le-Spring in Tyne and Wear and a very small part of Northumberland, the most in demand were DH8 and DH1.
Ross Walker, divisional sales director at Purplebricks, said: “There’s a mix within these postcodes of buyers from other areas, both within the North East and from other parts of the UK.
"The North East offers cheaper house prices and has a great mix of beautiful coastline and wonderful countryside in very close proximity to each other."
Looking at each postcode, Mr Walker commented:
"SR8 – includes the South Tyneside villages of Cleadon and Boldon. Traditionally a higher value area, with "aspirational" houses. People from South Shields always have the idea that one day they will move to Cleadon.
"With it being a village, it's slightly more rural, but well connected for both South Shields and Sunderland.
"SR7 - Seaham, small coastal town, ex mining and fishing but has seen a bit of a resurgence over the last 10 years.
"This postcode area is popular with buyers due to its coastal position and access to beaches.
"DH8 – Consett. As a postcode its semi-rural, my guess is that there's high demand for properties due to bigger gardens and people "moving to the country" without being too far away from a town.
"DH1 - Durham city centre. The area has one of the top five universities in the country, which attracts a lot of overseas students as well.
"Demand for properties is always high in the area due to people working at the university, students in both lettings properties and parents buying for their children.
"Also, the Police HQ is in this area as well as a hospital. There is a lot of new developments by the riverside.
"NE12 – Blyth. Similar story to SR7.
"NE63 - Ashington. This is affordable area outside of Newcastle, close to both the city and the coast, so it’s a good family area.
"NE23 – Cramlington. Same as Ashington, literally the next town along.
"NE6 - Walker/Byker/Heaton. These are affordable areas within Newcastle and are the popular suburbs for your average working families.
"Significantly cheaper than Jesmond/Gosforth. I would have said typically blue collar buyers purchase in this area.
"NE5 - West Denton/Newbiggin. Exactly the same as NE6, with high demand from families."
Mr Walker added: "There is a clear demand for semi-rural properties and properties on the coast, especially with sea views, with people flocking from the south to buy them.
"Some of the other areas are experiencing high demand, especially within the Newcastle suburbs, which are what you would normally expect given a market with a lack of supply.”
