North Yorkshire is home to some of the UK’s most diverse and resilient commercial property markets. From historic cities and upmarket spa towns to thriving coastal resorts and well-connected industrial hubs, the region offers opportunities for investors across multiple sectors.

At NovaLoca, we’ve highlighted the key North Yorkshire hotspots to watch in 2025 — with the latest figures showing just why this region is one to watch.

York – A Magnet for Tourism, Education & Offices

York continues to be one of the strongest performers in the North.

• The city drew nine million visitors in 2023, contributing around £1.82 billion to its local visitor economy.
• Spending was spread across retail, food and drink and accommodation.
• Alongside this, the University of York supports a growing knowledge economy, while businesses relocating from Leeds and London are increasingly drawn to York’s central location and heritage setting.

 

Harrogate – Upmarket Retail & Conference Capital

Harrogate has long been known for its high-quality retail offering and is a magnet for independents, boutiques and food-led businesses.

• The town benefits from a year-round events calendar, including the Harrogate Convention Centre, which attracts international visitors.
• Its affluent resident base supports premium retail and leisure investment.

 

Scarborough & Whitby – Seaside Growth & Tourism Demand

North Yorkshire’s coast is experiencing a resurgence in visitor numbers, fuelling demand for leisure investment.

• -The region’s tourism sector as a whole welcomed 2 million visitors in 2024, worth £4 billion annually and supporting over 38,000 full-time jobs.
• Scarborough is set to benefit from a £19.5 million government regeneration programme, with major projects aimed at revitalising the town centre, transport links, and leisure facilities.
• A further £20 million redevelopment of the Brunswick Centre — including a new Odeon cinema and food court — will strengthen its long-term commercial appeal.
• Whitby, meanwhile, remains a firm favourite with tourists, ensuring strong ongoing demand for hospitality, food, and retail space.

 

A1(M) Corridor – Logistics & Industrial Strength

For investors looking at industrial property, the A1(M) running through North Yorkshire is a prime location.

• In the first half of 2025, industrial take-up in Yorkshire reached 1 million sq ft — a 48% increase on the same period in 2024 according to a recent Savills report.
• Demand is dominated by Grade A space from 3PLs and manufacturers, but supply is tightening of the 9 million sq ft available in late 2024, only 4.2 million sq ft was top-grade stock.
• Key developments include Panattoni’s Central A1(M) — set to be the largest.

 

Why Invest in North Yorkshire?

• Tourism is booming, with record-breaking visitor numbers and a sector now worth over £4 billion a year.
• Regeneration funding is heading into coastal towns, creating new opportunities for leisure and retail investors.
• Industrial take-up is surging along the A1(M), with landmark logistics projects reshaping the region.
• Characterful market towns continue to balance affordability with strong community-driven demand.

 

NovaLoca lists a wide range of offices, retail units, industrial property, and leisure spaces across the region. Browse our latest North Yorkshire commercial property listings.

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