Barry makes top 10 list of house price rises (From Barry And District News)

Barry makes top 10 list of house price rises

12:40pm Sunday 7th February 2010

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HOMESEEKERS chasing a Barry des-res witnessed a 164 per cent price increase over a decade, according to data monitoring monthly house prices.

A Halifax survey ranked Wales’ largest town seventh in its top ten list of towns experiencing the biggest pricing growth.

The average price of a Barry home was £39,381 in 1999, rising to £103,893 in 2009.

A fall of more than one-fifth occurred between mid 2007 and mid 2009, but house prices increased by more in real terms than in any other decade over the last 50 years, according to the Halifax House Price Index. Andrew Fenton, Barry and Rhoose branch manager at Chris Davies estate agents, said the award-winning sitcom Gavin and Stacey may have had a small impact in putting Barry and Barry Island on the map.

"It is certainly more so down to the overspill from Cardiff, with prices rocketing over the same period and clients being out-priced of that area," he said.

"Barry has been more affordable on that basis, and this has developed the area locally in that 10 year period.

"Additionally, the Training Academy at St Athan that is due to the area in the next few years will also enhance the Vale generally."

Nina Chivers, of Nina Estate Agents, said Gavin and Stacey has increased awareness of Barry as a location, but she hadn’t sold a house to anyone wanting to live in the town because of the show.

"People are visiting the beaches and surroundings which are so fantastic for trade," she said.

"It’s lovely for Barry to finally be recognised. Having lived in Barry all my life I feel very passionate about it and the people."

Housing economist at Halifax, Martin Ellis said the majority of towns experiencing the strongest price growth began the decade with lower than average property prices, which provided the platform for bigger price gains. He said: "Seaside towns fared particularly well, as the attraction of having a home on the coast helped to boost demand."

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