HOUSES are selling within days of being put up for sale in a strong market, according to estate agents in Wellington.

The local economy is in good health with the town’s proximity to the M5 and business start-ups creating new jobs helping the market, said one agent, and the upcoming referendum on the UK’s future in Europe did not seem to bea concerning prospective purchasers.

Nick Maddocks, manager at Gibbins Richards, said yesterday: “The market for this first quarter of 2016 has proven once again to be buoyant and improving well.

“Gibbins Richards’ Wellington office has achieved some record figures so far this year, with many houses selling within the first week, and many selling for the asking price.

“With some good buyers and good mortgages available once again, it seems that there is something out there for everyone and, as a consequence, all of our clients are happy with the state of play. We always need more houses to sell, though.”

Roger Sattler, manager at Webbers, said: “The number of buyers far outweighs available properties – this has continued for many months now and looks set for the year ahead.

“Typically, a three-bedroom house within Wellington is selling within just days with Webbers and in most cases there are several buyers making offers on each.

“The recent changes to ‘second home’ and ‘buy to let’ tax caused a small rush in March, while the pending ‘Brexit’ referendum in June doesn’t appear to be disrupting the flow of our local market.

“I was at the recent meeting about the possible Wellington railway station which was seen very much as a positive thing for Wellington home owners – should it happen.”

Symon Jeffrey, branch partner at Wilkie May & Tuckwood, said: “We are delighted with the level of activity in the market with the Wellington branch having posted an excellent first quarter. The levels of viewings have increased demonstrating there is a strong demand for property with 56 sales having been agreed from our Wellington branch alone during the last 12 weeks, up by 30% on last year, which is a great achievement.

“Industry reports say limited stock is coming to the market. However, despite our excellent sales rate, we still have plenty of properties to offer, with more coming to the market daily.

“Wellington is going from strength the strength with more money being invested, important buildings being restored, new homes being built, new businesses opening creating more jobs with the M5 a key factor to the town’s prosperity.

“Brexit may give some pause for thought with seemingly convincing arguments both sides but in reality the housing market will continue as people still want to move whether aspirational or a necessity, therefore Wilkie May & Tuckwood are confident the year will continue as it started and look forward to a busy summer.”

Ashton Greed, of Stags in Wellington, said: “Spring has certainly sprung in the property market. Sales are up already compared to last year which proved to be exceptional and the best since the peak in the property market of 2007. Instruction levels for April in village and country properties are up considerably as confidence in the housing market continues to increase.

“Other sectors of the market in which we specialise, including farm sales, continue to grow and agricultural land is also selling well with various blocks of land already sold this year and and four lots already entered into our auction in early June.

“We are confident this trend will continue though 2016.”