The Real Story on House Prices in Carlisle
View how property transactions in Carlisle have shifted over time by housing category, with figures split by district and neighbouring towns.
You’ll also see whether Carlisle is experiencing balanced growth or isolated hotspots when viewed alongside local peers.
House Prices > Carlisle
Carlisle House Prices from 2018 to 2025: A Timeline
This breakdown covers how property prices have moved each year since 2018.
| Year | Average Price | Transactions |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 (proj.) | £188,100 | 2,158 |
| 2024 | £183,800 | 1,586 |
| 2023 | £187,300 | 2,021 |
| 2022 | £187,900 | 2,278 |
| 2021 | £180,400 | 2,757 |
| 2020 | £176,100 | 1,980 |
| 2019 | £164,200 | 2,190 |
| 2018 | £160,200 | 2,294 |
Carlisle’s Curious Ups and Downs: A Yearly House Price Opinion
The Carlisle property market moves in mysterious ways, much like the city’s wild weather. One moment there’s a surge in property transactions, the next, a gentle lull. Price growth has been both alluring and fickle, depending on where you’re standing.
- From 2018 to 2021, Carlisle’s average house price crept upward, with a particularly robust leap in 2020. Driven by unique local dynamics (think changing work patterns and a thirst for extra space), homes across the city climbed in desirability and value.
- But, just as the River Eden likes to flood the cricket ground, so too can Carlisle’s market dip unexpectedly. Post-2021, house price momentum slowed. 2023 flashed a rare backwards step for values. That’s not something you see every year in a UK city centre.
- Volumes of property transactions have been patchy to say the least. From 2021’s energetic high (with more homes changing hands than anywhere in over half a decade) right down to 2024’s thinner spread of buyers and sellers, the story here is hardly dull. Buyers and investors are keeping their powder dry, watching and picking their moment wisely.
- This volatility tells a simple story: Carlisle refuses to play by textbook rules. Forget the monotonous “permanent growth” stories from other northern cities. Here, things twist and turn rapidly.
- Is this unpredictability a risk or a charm? For those who thrive on opportunity and clever timing, Carlisle is much more than a sleepy northern spot. It’s a market for the nimble, not the timid.
- If you want guidance on picking the best value in Carlisle’s ever-shifting property scene, see our fresh guide to How to Accurately Value Your Carlisle Home in 2025.
So, what should buyers and sellers remember? Carlisle’s “typical” year is anything but typical. Shrewd locals know that timing and street-by-street knowledge matter more here than in most places.
Carlisle House Prices Grouped by Property Type
Detached
Avg. Property Price: 282,300
Avg. Size of Property
1,322 sq/ft
Avg. Cost Per Sq/ft
£220 sq/ft
Total transactions
1,103 (since 2021)
Semi-detached
Avg. Property Price: 159,600
Avg. Size of Property
923 sq/ft
Avg. Cost Per Sq/ft
£176 sq/ft
Total transactions
2,021 (since 2021)
Terraces
Avg. Property Price: 121,900
Avg. Size of Property
943 sq/ft
Avg. Cost Per Sq/ft
£131 sq/ft
Total transactions
2,464 (since 2021)
Apartments
Avg. Property Price: 96,800
Avg. Size of Property
683 sq/ft
Avg. Cost Per Sq/ft
£140 sq/ft
Total transactions
173 (since 2021)
Carlisle’s property market can appear as straightforward as the city’s railway station at first glance, yet a closer look uncovers striking differences between property types. Behind the average price tags, it’s easy to be lulled by what seems “affordable” on paper, but the reality for buyers is often quite a bit trickier.
Start with detached houses. On paper, they offer the most space and the grandest sense of privacy. But the purchase price, when spread out over 1,310 sq/ft, rings up at a rather weighty £220 per square foot. That sounds reasonable for those with sizeable budgets, though for many first-time buyers in this part of Cumbria, securing the keys to a detached home can feel like finding a golden ticket on Lowther Street. Then again, there’s no ignoring that the volume of 1,086 transactions since 2021 barely dents demand, hinting at a persistent bottleneck for those who want space above all else.
The semi-detached segment is no less intriguing. With their distinctive, classic look and practical footprint, these homes lure “second steppers” and young families alike. But the 2,013 transactions since 2021 may outshine all, underscoring a chronic, if not frantic, chase for this sweet spot between price and practicality. Yet, with a £180 per square foot tag attached, some might question whether buyers are truly getting a bargain or if they’re just sidestepping steeper detached prices for compromises in space.
Terraced homes have long been Carlisle’s backbone for working families and investors, but their supposed affordability might not stretch quite as far as it did a decade ago. Despite the largest number of 2,452 recent sales, the cost-per-foot metric sits at a modest £130, yet the average 940 sq/ft makes some of these houses feel more cramped than cosy. For some, these homes are a foot in the door, for others, a long-term squeeze that is simply the price of staying within the city’s boundaries.
Then there are the flats – prime for singles, students, and those undaunted by smaller footprints. Prices here are lower, but that headline can be misleading. At a mere 680 sq/ft and an average price equivalent to £140 per square foot, buyers are often trading flexibility and individuality for sheer affordability. The whisper-thin volume of 173 post-2021 sales whispers of muted demand, despite (or perhaps because of) their modest price tags.
Sceptical buyers should scrutinise beyond averages. While Carlisle routinely ranks as one of England’s more affordable cities (see where it sits on the national scale here), these numbers hardly tell the whole story for anyone actively making offers in a market that moves unevenly by type, street, and neighbourhood.
What should cautious buyers takeaway?
- Space comes at a stubborn premium in Carlisle. Detached homes may offer room to grow, but their sticker price and limited supply mean you’ll need both patience and deep pockets.
- Semi-detached houses are heavily pursued, so expect more competition – and little in the way of surprising bargains.
- Terraced homes are still the workhorse of Carlisle’s market, yet crammed space and climbing prices demand a careful eye. Not all are created equal.
- Flats remain niche. Their affordability is offset by smaller living spaces and slower resale prospects.
In Carlisle, securing the “right” property is rarely a smooth ride – and often feels as unpredictable as the weather blowing in from the Solway Firth.
Carlisle Property Prices by Local Area
| District | Avg Price (£) | Transactions |
|---|---|---|
| CA1 | £145,100 | 3,757 |
| CA2 | £137,600 | 5,623 |
| CA3 | £197,600 | 2,472 |
| CA4 | £282,200 | 1,464 |
| CA5 | £275,400 | 842 |
| CA6 | £226,700 | 1,060 |
Carlisle’s property market has a unique flavour — shaped by its historic neighbourhoods, rolling countryside, and the gentle pulse of its riverside life. Comparing the districts side by side, you’ll find a story as diverse as the city’s own heritage, with everything from modest terraces to stately stone cottages on offer.
In the city’s heartier, established areas, prices are refreshingly approachable. These places wear their history proudly, making them handy for first-time buyers, young professionals, or families looking to plant their roots without stretching the budget too thin. You truly get a sense of place here — cobbled lanes and timeworn shopfronts, where every street has its own story.
As you wander outwards towards the city’s ancient boundaries and leafy outposts, property prices begin to climb — and for good reason. These desirable pockets offer a slice of country living within easy reach of the centre. The higher average prices in these areas tell a clear story: space, privacy, and scenery are qualities much cherished by buyers. The housing here attracts those seeking a quieter lifestyle, with stone farmhouses and handsome detached homes standing amid meadows as lush as a Cumbrian summer.
Numbers also reveal that the more affordable districts are alive with steady transaction activity, showing a nimble, bustling local market. In these places, you can almost imagine the market simmering like a hearty stew, gaining richness and warmth every season. Further out, fewer sales go through overall, as these choices tend to appeal to long-term movers or those finally making that dream rural leap.
It’s also clear these price differences mirror the wide variety in Carlisle’s housing stock, from Victorian terraces close to the cathedral, to modern builds with sweeping Eden Valley views. Buyers set on discovering where their money stretches farthest will want to compare more than postcode alone. Explore where property is still affordable in Carlisle today.
So, what should buyers take from this?
- A postcode is more than a map reference in Carlisle — it’s a story about your lifestyle, your aspirations, and the heritage on your doorstep.
- If you crave lively neighbourhoods and character, the city’s bustling inner postcodes are perfect — and your money will go further.
- If solace and open views top your list, expect to pay a premium but enjoy space, silence, and an unhurried pace that’s the envy of many.
Carlisle’s property market continues to simmer steadily, with each neighbourhood offering its own blend of tradition, scenery, and value. The city is proof that where you buy isn’t just about price — it’s about finding your place in a living, breathing, proudly storied community.
Please keep in mind the figures reflect only the averages for property price and transaction numbers.
They do not consider property size or cost per square foot, so some important trends may not be fully visible. For a richer breakdown of Carlisle’s districts, head over to our blog. Thank you.
Property Values in Carlisle vs Its Neighbours
| City | Avg Price (£) | Transactions |
|---|---|---|
| Brampton | £232,100 | 814 |
| Wigton | £193,500 | 1,416 |
| Penrith | £249,900 | 3,854 |
| Keswick | £364,500 | 745 |
| Cockermouth | £249,900 | 1,656 |
| Maryport | £138,800 | 1,080 |
| Appleby-In-Westmorland | £222,500 | 576 |
| Workington | £141,000 | 2,725 |
House Prices in Carlisle: A Neighbourhood Showdown
If Carlisle’s property values were a set of cakes at a Cumbria village fete, you’d find a curious mix: some towering creations that catch every eye, some unassuming bargains that vanish before the kettle’s boiled. Buyers circling this city face a colourful patchwork of nearby options—each with its own appetite for attention.
- At the high table sits Keswick, its premium price tags drawing well-heeled bidders—it's more Lake District statement than simple post code. Dazzling views clearly come at a cost. Perfect for buyers who long for scenery (and don’t mind paying the Cumbrian premium for it).
- Penrith and Cockermouth also nudge into the higher price bracket, perhaps thanks to charming historic architecture and a steady stream of London-leaver types. Long walks, local cheese, and competitive offers aren’t in short supply.
- If it’s value you’re after, Maryport and Workington offer some of the region’s best-kept secrets. The average home here is closer to a modest cream tea than a hospitality suite. Pennies stretch surprisingly far in these parts, and first-time buyers don’t need to raid their nan’s biscuit tin.
- Look at the transaction volumes, and Penrith and Workington jump out—they’re positively bustling. A regular hive of activity, in fact, much like school sports day on the playing fields. That momentum hints at strong demand and healthy churn.
- Brampton, Appleby-in-Westmorland, and Wigton fall in the mid-range category—steady, sensible, and less volatile than mountain weather. There’s a bit more breathing space, with modest but robust transaction numbers and prices that don’t cause palpitations at the mortgage meeting.
What are the key takeaway points?
- Diverse price points: The region serves up everything from budget-friendly terraces to pricey view-laden retreats. Your wallet decides how close you’ll be to the lakes (or the chip shop).
- High demand in Penrith and Workington: If quick sales or lively markets tempt you, these spots move properties as fast as queue jumpers at a bus stop.
- Keswick for premium buyers: The steepest average price points, and little sign of slowing. Think: Glastonbury ticket demand for a Victorian semi.
- Best value for money: Maryport and Workington. Savvy buyers can bag a home for less—the "value aisle" of the property market, but with better views and fewer dodgy tinned tomatoes.
If you’re sizing up Carlisle or its neighbours, clarity is key. The region caters for nearly every taste and budget. The real question: are you in the market for stardust sunsets over Derwentwater, or just happy with a solid roof and a chippy nearby?
Please note, these figures highlight average prices and total transactions without adjusting for property sizes.
Property size and cost per square foot are not factored in, meaning some shifts may be missed. To explore further, visit our blog.
Your Street-Level Look at Carlisle
Before you pick a postcode, take a moment to browse these wonderfully detailed guides. They explore the quirks, patterns and quiet surprises hiding in every corner of the city.
Trusted by Institutions, Refined by Us
Every valuation we show is drawn from officially logged transactions, carefully filtered through our smart refinement process. Outliers are removed, biases are reduced, and clarity is restored.