Shropshire house sales show signs of improving
House sales in Shrewsbury are holding firm against the pattern of struggle across the UK, while sales in Telford began the year at their fastest rate since 2008, new figures have revealed.
Analysis of Land Registry data for the final quarter of 2012 by Shropshire estate agents DB Roberts has shown sales in Shrewsbury withstood the economic storm engulfing the country last year, and may even be about to grow.
In Newport the number of house sales dipped, as did the value of the average property sold, but Market Drayton appeared to prosper.
DB Roberts sales director Jo Culley said: "We think there are signs of the market improving in 2013, which may see property values starting to show some modest but consistent growth."
Ms Culley said 2013 had begun at an impressive pace, with Telford's February house sales the best since 2008.
"It is unusual for sales to be so strong this early in the year and, of course, February is a short month," said Ms Culley adding that a brilliant start to March could make it another record breaker.
The value of Shrewsbury's detached houses remained static, with SY2 houses worth £254,000 and SY5's £277,000.
Semi-detached values varied more, while volumes stood still. The SY1 and SY4 postcodes saw average prices fall as much as 10 per cent, while SY2 and SY3 saw increases of 10 per cent.
The average price of detached houses in TF10, Newport, dropped by 15 per cent to £246,000, with slightly fewer sales completed, while terraced house sales were also slightly down, with average values dropping 17 per cent.
Market Drayton enjoyed growth in average values, with the number of homes changing hands remaining steady. Detached houses sold for 19 per cent more, while semis were also up, by six per cent, with a slight drop in numbers sold.
Local business: Terry Jones solicitors and advocates, Shrewsbury, Telford and Newport
