In all market conditions, Durham City is proving as resilient as ever. homemaker finds out more about city, popular with residents, visitors and students alike. WITH such architectural splendour on its doorstep, the historic city of Durham has much to offer affluent property buyers.
With its cathedral, castle and world- renowned university, the postcode district of DH1 covers the compact centre of Durham and stretches for about three miles around the city. Building space is at a premium, and therefore new development is scarce. On a positive note, however, Durham City is one of the only places in the country where property prices have risen lately, according to the Nationwide House Price Index. Some local estate agents disputed the figures, but all said there is a good, steady market and Durham remains a popular place for all ranges of buyers. Geoff Graham, joint managing director of property agents JW Wood, said: "Having been in the estate agency business for 35 years in Durham it’s quite intriguing that the city continues to perform the way it does. "There are a number of reasons behind this but it’s mainly down to the wide variety of house types and styles as indeed the huge cross section of buyers which of course includes a large investment market with hundreds of student houses. The city has much to offer residents and moving less than miles out of the city we have Shincliffe Village which is one of the most popular and picturesque villages in the County. "A little further out to the west another popular location is Brancepeth Village which is some five miles from the city and surrounded by open countryside." The city is popular with residents, visitors and the many students. Living in Durham gives you easy access to the train station, hospital and public transport links. There are a wide range of shops and restaurants, alongside a Victorian market. The cobbled market place is a great place to unwind during summer months, and there is also a farmers' market. The city and university blend well together and there is a good feeling of community. For more than a century, the Miners’ Gala has taken place here on the second Saturday in July. Despite the closure of all pits in County Durham, former-miners, their families and friends still gather to hear speeches, socialise and attend a special service in the Cathedral. Colliery bands lead processions and banners are proudly paraded through the streets. There are plenty of regional attractions within a stone's throw of Durham city, including Beamish open-air museum, fine art treasures are on display at the John and Josephine Bowes Museum, and there's a French-style chateau in Barnard Castle. The Walkergate centre offers a good selection of bars, cafes and restaurants. The population of DH1 is around 45,384 with around 17,030 homes. The average price of a two-bed property in this area is £118,482, significantly less then the national average of £187,894. The postcode area also takes in surrounding villages, including Aykley Heads, Bearpark, Belmont and Witton Gilbert. | 
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