The typical property in DH4
DH4 covers Houghton-le-Spring and Hetton-le-Hole, former coalfield with mixed Victorian terraces and significant deprivation.
Area summary
DH4 sits in Sunderland City Council. The outcode covers Houghton-le-Spring, Hetton-le-Hole, Penshaw and surrounding villages. The area was historically a major coal-mining centre, with the last colliery (Hetton) closing in 1985. The Penshaw Monument (Grade I-listed Greek-style temple folly, 1844) is a notable landmark. Housing is dominated by Victorian terraces, with pockets of postwar council estates and newer development.
There is no station within DH4. The closest stations are Seaham (in SR-area) and Chester-le-Street (DH2). The A19 and A690 provide road links.
Employment patterns are commuter into Sunderland and Newcastle. Demographics skew towards working families with deprivation indices above the regional average per ONS data.
Sunderland City Council operates additional HMO licensing in defined areas. The Renters' Rights Act 2026 has abolished Section 21 evictions.
What the data shows
Researched facts
Buyer notes
- Coal Authority mining searches essential
- Low absolute property values; EPC retrofit economics tight
- Verify HMO licensing area
The full DH4 data page
Sold price history, crime totals, EPC distribution, council tax bands and more, pulled live from HM Land Registry, Police UK and the EPC Register.
DH4 property dataNearby DH postcode districts
Compare DH4 with adjacent areas in the same postcode district.