THROUGH THE ROOF
Shortage of homes for sale sees rise in prices across Wales
AVERAGE house prices across the UK increased by 10% over the year to May 2021, up from 9.6% in the year to April 2021, the highest annual growth rate the UK has seen since September 2007, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Based on the most recent data covering the April to June inclusive period so far, across England and Wales, there were 1,013 sales of properties costing £1m or more, including 158 at £2m or more.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ reported strong increasing demand and a shortage of people putting their properties up for sale pushing up prices, and this view has been supported by Welsh estate agents urging buyers to put their homes on the market to try to tackle the shortage.
In Wales, the growth rate in house prices has been at levels not seen for years, with Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire two of the most popular relocation destinations with house hunters looking to move outside urban areas and securing more space due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the Land Registry, 22,161 home sales have been registered for April; 16,993 for May; and 5,439 for June. It may take several weeks for sales to be registered after completion so some sales from later in the period may not be listed yet.
The Land Registry lists the price paid for every property bought at market value and the data also includes sales under a power of sale/ repossessions, buy-to-lets (where they can be identified by a mortgage) and transfers to non-private individuals.
As the data relies on buyers, or their solicitors, registering the sale and the price paid with the Land Registry, mistakes in listings may happen, but they are usually corrected at a later date. Issues can include figures with too many digits or shared ownership prices paid for a part share listed as the whole price.
According to the ONS data, with these possible scenarios in mind, the eight most expensive homes sold in Wales between April to June 2021 include a significant number near or on the coast.
1. PORTHCAWL
This seaside town is a popular spot for house hunters looking for a new home by the sea but commutable to the M4 and Cardiff and Swansea.
This substantial five-bed, three-storey house was the most expensive home sold in Wales in this threemonth period covered by ONS data.
The detached property situated in the desirable Locks Lane of Porthcawl, just a short distance from Rest Bay beach, Royal Porthcawl Golf Club and Porthcawl town centre, could boast a swimming pool, impressive orangery and a library. According to the data, the modern mansion sold at the beginning of April for £1.125m.
2. LLANTWIT MAJOR
Called Downs Farmhouse, this substantial five-bedroom Grade II listed home near the coast in the Vale of Glamorgan is thought to date back in parts to about 1640.
Downstairs the heart of the home is the vast kitchen, dining and family room that all interlink to create a space that flows effortlessly from one area to another, sharing light as well as the lovely rural views.
Upstairs the five bedrooms and four bathrooms are sprawled over two floors, with the loft rooms oozing character via their charming and original exposed ceiling beams. Downs Farm near Llantwit Major sold for £1.025m in the first week of June.
3. CARDIFF
This super-stylish period property on one of the most sought after streets, Fairwater Road, in the suburb of Llandaff offered a lucky new owner a fantastic location with stunning interiors on a great sized plot.
Located to easily get to the nearby
Llandaff village centre and the Grade II* listed Insole Court, open to the public for events and activities, the house was sold in the third week of May for £975,000.
4. PENARTH
This three-storey house was hiding more than the pretty facade suggested, with a total of seven bedrooms, three bathrooms, two large reception rooms and a kitchen diner that opened out onto the generous rear garden via a wall of glass doors.
The house on Plymouth Road sold for £965,000 in April.
5. PENARTH
The coastal town cements its current popularity with another dream home being snapped up, this time around the corner and up a few streets from Plymouth Road. On the leafy and popular residential street of Westbourne Road something clever has happened.
Look at the street scene from 2012 and there’s a charming detached house on the corner with a double garage block to the side. But fast forward to 2019, thanks to Google maps, and the garages have gone and have been replaced by a modern and substantial family home.
This new addition to the street was sold in May for £915,000.
6. DINAS POWYS
On a cul-de-sac on the leafy outskirts of the village this beautiful Arts & Crafts period property built in 1911 retains oodles of original features.
The previous owners’ completed a renovation and upgrade of the detached, four-bedroom home that restored and respected the stunning original features but ensured that the property was up to modern standards. The house sold in the middle of May for £905,000.
7. DINAS POWYS
Staying in this large village near Cardiff, this home that sold enjoys an elevated position on the outskirts of the area that results in far-reaching rural views, across the fields towards the Bristol Channel and English coastline.
The property nestles in a sizeable plot, with a very deep frontage with formal lawn and block paved driveway for several cars.
Established trees, natural stone walling and hedgerow offer privacy and screening both front and back, and initial access is via electric double gates with intercom system.
On the ground floor the hub of the home is a large, open-plan dining room and lounge that flows into a conservatory, with the kitchen directly next door.
In addition, there’s a family room, separate sitting room, a study, a utility room and garage, and upstairs you’ll find four bedrooms that includes the vast master bedroom suite. This greedy bedroom takes up over half the upstairs space and includes an ensuite and a dressing room.
This contemporary abode sold in May for £900,000.
8. DEGANWY
Located in this small coastal town in the county of Conwy, just a few miles from Llandudno and Colwyn Bay, this stunning Arts & Crafts detached house can be found on a leafy residential street and is within walking distance to the beach.
But who would want to leave the pretty one-acre garden that so successfully wraps around the period property and gives it a sense of grandeur?
This is surely a party house, with an indoor, heated swimming pool complex and a substantial rear garden terrace, elevated above the sprawling lawns below and perfectly placed for the party to spill out from the pool to this sunshine patio.
This six-bed beauty sold for £870,000 in April.