What’s It Like to Live in Selby?
Selby is a historic market town in North Yorkshire with a striking medieval core centred on Selby Abbey. Once a busy riverside port, it now blends heritage architecture with regeneration around the river and canal, plus a mix of traditional terraces and newer developments. Strong transport links, local amenities and a distinctive townscape make it appealing to buyers—although awareness of flood risk and the construction of older homes is useful when choosing the right survey level.
1. Architectural Features of Properties
Historical Buildings and Their Features
Selby Abbey, a Grade I listed building with Romanesque and Gothic features, defines the town’s character and influences planning considerations. Nearby heritage assets such as Abbot’s Staith reflect Selby’s monastic and river-trade history.
Local Stone
Limestone features are common in historic civic buildings, while many homes are brick built. Traditional roofs are typically slate or clay tile, which require the routine upkeep associated with older Yorkshire properties.
2. Survey Findings Specific to Selby
Damp Issues
Properties close to the River Ouse or the Selby Canal can be more exposed to moisture ingress and damp, particularly in low-lying areas.
Subsidence Risks
No single, town-wide subsidence issue stands out, but buyers should still consider ground conditions—especially for older or altered buildings.
Roofing Concerns
Older slate or clay-tile roofs may show slipped tiles, weathered flashings or worn fixings and benefit from close inspection.
Energy Efficiency
Solid-wall or stone properties often have lower thermal performance. Surveys typically comment on insulation opportunities, glazing condition and heating system efficiency.
3. Local Amenities and Notable Places
Local Amenities
Selby offers a traditional high street with independents and national retailers, supermarkets, healthcare provision and a range of primary and secondary schools, with countryside access a short distance away.
Notable Places
Highlights include Selby Abbey, riverside and canal walks, Selby Park and other local heritage sites connected to the town’s trading past.
4. Flood and Radon Risks
Flood Risks
Selby sits on the River Ouse floodplain. Defences have been improved in recent decades, but localised risk varies—your conveyancer’s searches and our survey commentary will provide context for the specific address.
Radon Risks
Radon levels are generally low across much of the region, but testing is sensible for basements or older solid-wall homes.
5. Traffic Congestion and Issues
Traffic Congestion
As a well-connected market town, traffic can build up around peak times and on market days, but is otherwise typical for a town of this size.
Public Transport
Selby has direct rail services to major hubs such as Leeds and York, with connections beyond, plus a local bus station linking nearby towns and villages.
6. Conservation Areas
Parts of the town centre around the Abbey and medieval core fall within conservation areas that guide planning and protect historic character.
7. Safety and Crime Statistics
Crime Rates
Crime levels vary by neighbourhood as in most towns. Checking recent, street-level data for the specific address is recommended during conveyancing.
8. Home Survey Considerations
Survey Recommendations
A Level 3 Building Survey is advisable for older, stone or listed buildings—especially in flood-aware areas. Modern brick properties in generally good condition may suit a Level 2 Homebuyer Survey.
Unique Survey Challenges
Considerations often include masonry condition, damp management near waterways and reviewing any flood-resilience measures.
9. Local Building Materials and Their Implications
Limestone detailing, brick walls and slate/clay-tile roofs are common. Maintenance typically involves appropriate repointing, keeping rainwater goods clear and timely roof repairs.
10. Comparison with Nearby Areas
Compared with nearby settlements, Selby combines a pronounced heritage centre with strong road and rail connections, while carrying the flood-awareness considerations expected of a riverside town.
Selby Property Market Trends – 2025
Looking to buy in Selby? Here’s an accurate overview of the latest prices and key updates from the area.
Average Prices – Selby (August 2025)
| Property Type |
Average Price |
Most Common |
| Terraced |
£168,694 |
Yes |
| Semi-detached |
£207,129 |
No |
| Detached |
£336,732 |
No |
Source: Rightmove, August 2025
The average sold price in Selby over the last year was around £203,813. Terraced houses made up the majority of sales, with semi-detached and detached properties also in demand.
What’s Happening in the Area?
Recent developments and trends influencing Selby’s housing market include:
- Town Centre Enhancements: Investment in retail, leisure and public spaces to attract more visitors and improve amenities.
- Residential Growth: New-build projects in areas like Brayton and Barlby offering a variety of family homes.
- Transport Links: Good road access to the A19 and M62 alongside direct rail services to York, Leeds and Hull.
- Community Infrastructure: Upgrades to schools, healthcare facilities and recreational areas.
For First-Time Buyers
Terraced properties in Selby offer one of the most affordable routes into home ownership. Some new developments may also provide shared ownership or other purchase schemes subject to availability.
In Summary
House prices in Selby have fallen by 3% over the last year and are now 3% below the 2022 peak of £209,937. A professional home survey is advisable to uncover any hidden issues before committing to a purchase.
