Watching Wales
The Daily Mail, 2nd March 2007Looking for an affordable seaside property? Forget costly Cornwall and make a beeline for wonderful western Wales instead, reports Mary Wilson
As other UK property markets have raced ahead, Wales had proved to be a bit of a dawdler. But one of Britain’s great under-performers could soon evolve into golden goose. In fact, The Country Home Search Company claims that Wale’s pretty south-west coast could soon emerge as a major hotspot for UK house hunters looking for a taste of the quiet life – and healthy profits, too.
“The area west of Swansea, including Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and South Cardiganshire, is a top tip for 2007, with coastal areas that resemble Cornwall 30 years ago and prices that are competitive” says Carol Peett, who heads the company’s West Wales office.
When it came to west coast locations offering seclusion, unspoilt vistas, affordable prices and a good quality of life, it used to be Cornwall all the way. But while the Cornish coast still has plenty to offer, it has become far too expensive for many potential buyers. West Wales, however, still has a few bargains up its sleeve.
“Property in Pembrokeshire is around 35 per cent cheaper than in Cornwall, and in Carmarthenshire and Cardiganshire houses are 10 to 15 per cent cheaper still,” Peett says. “There is huge demand for homes with character on the coast or inland, particularly farms with a few acres.”
And since the Prince of Wales announced he was buying a farm in Llandovery in Carmarthenshire, there has been even more interest in the area. “We’ve had one purchaser from Canada who’s buying there on the back of the Prince’s interest alone,” says Peett.
As well as good value for money, the area has a beautiful coastline and walking trails that are among the best in Britain.
Jonathan Morgan of estate agent BJP, which has five offices west of Swansea, says: “We are seeing quite a number of people buying in western Wales who have been priced out of the market in south-west England. It is not difficult to find a nice rural property here with 10 to 15 acres and a stable block for around £450,000.”