Which Properties Struggle to Sell in Leeds?

Posted by Jack Malnick | 10 September, 2025 | Reading time 4 minutes

Leeds might be one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK, but not every property flies off the market. While buyers are still active, some homes struggle to attract attention. And if your house sits unsold for months, it can quickly lead to stress, delays and knock-on costs.

So what kind of properties struggle to sell in Leeds? And why? It’s not always immediately obvious what makes an area particularly quick or slow to sell in. Let’s take a look at the data, the streets and the property types where homes are taking the longest to shift.

Flats and 2-beds sitting longest on the market

The average time on market in Leeds in May 2025 was 165 days (up from 153 days in 2024). 

But break it down by property type and the differences are clear:

  • Flats: 248 days (237 in 2024)
  • 2-bed homes: 182 days (154)
  • Terraced homes: 125 days (115)
  • Detached homes: 136 days (147)
  • Semi-detached homes: 111 days (102)

Now by number of bedrooms:

  • 1-bed: 252 days (269)
  • 2-bed: 182 days (154)
  • 3-bed: 119 days (109)
  • 4-bed: 132 days (144)
  • 5+ beds: 166 days (162)

This shows that while larger homes are holding steady or improving, smaller homes are taking longer to shift, especially flats and 2-beds.

Certain areas in Leeds have become property slow zones

The Yorkshire Evening Post recently revealed a list of the slowest-selling streets in Leeds, with some properties taking more than 250 days to sell.

Among the slowest were:

  • Foundry Lane, LS9 (Seacroft) at 246 days on market
  • North Street, LS2 (City Centre) at 248 days
  • Bowman Lane, LS10 at 252 days
  • Eyres Mill Side, LS12 (Armley) at 253 days
  • Cunliffe Road, LS29 (Ilkley) at 254 days
  • The Boulevard, LS10 (Leeds Dock) at 262 days

So while central and premium postcodes often seem desirable, they don’t always equal quick sales. In fact, city centre flats and certain outer-suburb pockets appear particularly slow.

Why? It could be down to a mismatch between property type and buyer demand, or just too many similar properties listed at once.

Flats are flooding the market

The number of flats listed in Leeds jumped 26% year-on-year in May 2025.

871 flats were listed in May 2024.

1,096 flats were listed in May 2025.

This sharp rise in availability may be creating increased competition and longer waits to sell. 

Combine that with rising service charges or outdated interiors, and some sellers are struggling to achieve a fast flat sale.

Age and condition can be deal breakers

Buyers are becoming more cautious about maintenance costs and future repairs. So properties that haven’t been modernised, or need major work, often linger on the market unless priced aggressively.

Older flats with poor insulation or energy ratings can also be tough to shift in a climate-conscious market. Energy bills matter more than ever, and buyers are asking more questions about running costs.

So what can sellers do?

If your property is lingering on the market, there are still ways to improve your chances of a sale. First, review your asking price. In a slower market, setting a competitive price from the outset can make all the difference. Buyers are more cautious right now, so anything priced too high could be overlooked.

Second, consider refreshing your listing. New photos, updated descriptions or even a relist can sometimes help catch the eye of a buyer who missed it the first time around. Presenting your property in its best light is essential, and even small staging tweaks can go a long way.

Lastly, some sellers are exploring alternative routes, like off-market cash sales. These can be especially helpful if you’re in a chain, relocating or just fed up with the wait. A fast, secure sale can bring peace of mind, especially when the traditional route drags on.

How Sell House Fast can help sell your home fast in Leeds

At Sell House Fast, we help homeowners sell quickly, without the hassle of estate agents, listings or long waits.

We’re a direct cash house buyer with experience in the Leeds market. That means no delays, no chains and no waiting for mortgage approvals. If your home has been sitting on the market or you need a quick sale due to financial pressure, divorce or relocation, we can often complete in a matter of days.

Our process is straightforward, and we’re here to take the stress out of selling:

  • No fees or commissions
  • No need for renovations or viewings
  • A fair, fast offer based on your property and postcode

Our sellers often tell us they feel a huge sense of relief after using our service. Instead of worrying about time-wasters, falling through chains or when the next viewing will be, they can just move on.

Get a free cash offer today

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