THE average price of a house in Barnsley has increased by almost £6,000 in the last year – putting the town fourth among Yorkshire’s local authorities for annual growth.

House prices increased by 3.9 per cent in August – more than the average for the Yorkshire and Humber.

The rise contributes to the longer-term trend, which has seen property prices in the area grow by 3.6 per cent over the last year.

The average Barnsley house price in August was £168,499, Land Registry figures show.

Over the last year, the average sale price of property in Barnsley rose by £5,800 – putting the area fourth among Yorkshire and the Humber’s 15 local authorities with price data for annual growth.

First-time buyers in Barnsley spent an average of £148,800 on their property – £4,600 more than a year ago, and £38,500 more than in August 2018.

By comparison, former owner-occupiers paid £188,600 on average in August – 26.8 per cent more than first-time buyers.

Owners of semi-detached houses saw the biggest rise in property prices in Barnsley in August.

They increased by 4.1 per cent to £163,584 on average.

Detached properties have increased by five per cent this year to £268,000, terraced houses have risen by 2.7 per cent to £130,000 and flats up two per cent to £93,000.

However, in comparison to the most sought-after area in Yorkshire – York – Barnsley homeowners are paying significantly less to get on the property ladder.

Buyers paid 21 per cent less than the average price in Yorkshire and the Humber – £213,000 – in August for a property in Barnsley.

Across Yorkshire and the Humber, property prices are low compared to those across the UK, where the average cost is £291,000.

The most expensive properties in Yorkshire and the Humber were in York £333,000 on average, and twice the price as in Barnsley.