Moving into the area? Sold your house and need some space to breathe before buying? Brian Page looks at some smart rental properties to help you relocate.

NOW, here’s a thing, we have had quite a few conversations recently with people who are looking to move into rented accommodation because they have sold their house and haven’t found one to buy.

This, we suspect, might be because of the sudden upsurge in confidence – and sales – within the property market.

Certainly one of the people we spoke to was taken aback by how quickly their house sold. “We wanted to downsize but we thought our house would be on the market for ages and we would have time to look around for something we liked.

We were surprised when, after the second viewing, we got an offer.”

Pleasantly surprised, naturally… And so we thought this week we would look at homes suitable for people who want to rent while deciding on where – and what – to buy.

We’ll start with an out-of-town property. The cheerful Cherry Hill Cottage can be found in the village of Brandsby, an ideal spot for exploring the rural delights on offer in North Yorkshire. This is a delightful Edwardian cottage which has a kitchen with walk-in larder, two reception rooms, three bedrooms and a house bathroom. Outside there are gardens and carport and parking space and a useful outbuilding.

It is offered by Stephensons at a rental of £695pcm.

Another out-of-town property comes in the shape of a smart family home in the popular village of Stamford Bridge, with good commuter routes into York and the East coast. “Lots of individual charm and character,” is how the Linley and Simpson team describe this home which retains many original period features and certainly provides plenty of space.

It has three reception rooms, one with a mezzanine level which is presently used as an office/study area, a super breakfast kitchen and shower room. To the first floor there are four good-sized bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Outside there is a private, terraced, low maintenance garden and a large driveway and double garage. The rental for this excellent offering is £1,250pcm. Apply to Linley and Simpson.

Coming back towards York, but still very much with a rural outlook, we have a spacious, extended dormer bungalow in Hopgrove Lane South, off Malton Road and handily-placed for the city centre and the outer ring road and A64 in particular.

Here you have a bay fronted living room, an exceptional, characterful dining kitchen with Aga and Belfast sink and fitted fridge/freezer and dishwasher and which opens into a conservatory (ideal for admiring the large, landscaped and private rear garden). There are also two ground floor bedrooms and a utility room and a bathroom while on the first floor there are two further bedrooms.

Ashtons are seeking a rental of £995pcm.

The same agents also have another property handily placed for the outer ring road and commuting routes, this one a modern and attractively presented three-storey townhouse in Swinton Close, Rawcliffe. Offered partly furnished, this home has an entrance hall and cloaks off, a contemporary dining kitchen (with appliances including washing machine, fridge and freezer and electric oven and hob).

The lounge is situated on the first floor along with a double bedroom and bathroom while there are two further bedrooms (including the master with en-suite) and a shower room on the second floor.

Low maintenance rear garden, garage and driveway parking are included in Ashton’s required £875pcm rental.

A similar property – this one on the other side of York, can be found on the books of Letters Ltd. This is in Moins Court, Osbaldwick. Again a three-storey property, this one is undergoing a decorating programme so should be picture perfect for the new tenant.

It offers an entrance hall, shower room and utility room and a third bedroom or study on the ground floor. Up above there is a big lounge and a dining kitchen while to the second floor there is a master bedroom with en-suite shower room and a further double bedroom. Small rear garden, single garage and driveway completes the package for which Letters Ltd are seeking a rental of £785pcm.

Meanwhile, if you are looking for an attractive looking house both inside and out you might take a peek at a smart mid town house in Slessor Road, Acomb. Nicely presented, very contemporary, this house offers a good-sized lounge with electric fire and laminate flooring, a dining kitchen, two double bedrooms and a single bedroom and family bathroom.

There is driveway parking for two cars to the front and a pretty garden with shed to the back. Catlovers please note, you might be able to bring the moggie with you to this one. It is offered by Letters Ltd at a rental of £750pcm.