York, North Yorkshire, is seeing record-breaking demand for shops and businesses in its city centre as of February 15, 2026. The number of empty buildings in the area is much lower than the national average, making it difficult for new traders to find a place to open.
Property experts at Garness Jones describe available units as being like gold dust because so many businesses want to move into the city. This high demand comes as work begins on the £88 million Coney Street Riverside project, which is designed to create a new area for shops and leisure businesses along the water.
According to the York BID, the city is currently outperforming many other similar locations for the number of people visiting and how long they stay. While Knight Frank research shows a national average of over 12 per cent for empty shops, York remains a popular choice for both large brands and smaller traders.
Business confidence in the region is also high, with a report from KPMG showing that 81 per cent of owners feel positive about their growth during 2026. However, the lack of available space may lead to higher rents and tougher competition for small independent businesses trying to find a spot on the high street.
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