PROPERTY prices nationally may have taken a downturn and sales slowed but the picture in the Wellington area is one of continued growth.

Roger Sattler, local director of Webbers in South Street, Wellington, said: “In the 12 months to June 2018 there were 104,993 property sales across the South-West – an impressive number and almost exactly the same as the previous year. 

“I think that pretty well sums up the local property market. Sales patterns have been fairly consistent over the last 18 months at least and with the continued growth of the town residentially, there is a constant interest in Wellington homes from local and out of area buyers alike.

“Without doubt there was a hesitant start to the typical spring market following some unusual weather that we understand from our colleagues across the country was a national picture. But moving forward this current heatwave is most welcome.”

Simon Jeffrey, of Wilkie, May & Tuckwood in Wellington, said: “We are pleased to report after a positive start to 2018, the second quarter has been equally busy with 55 properties having been placed to the market in the last 12 weeks and an impressive 62 sales having been agreed for the same period.

“Buyers do not seem to be deterred by Brexit, with the local economy performing well and much to look forward to in Wellington as the town continues to grow. While some new build developments are coming towards the end of their build programme, C G Fry & Son has started works at Jurston Farm which will deliver a further 600 homes over a ten-year period.  The commercial sector is continuing to grow at Westpark 26 and an already thriving Chelston Business Park, with the M5 key to the prosperity of the town.

“The deluge of snow and freezing weather in contrast with the beautiful weather we have now, the Royal Wedding, Wimbledon and, of course, the World Cup, have not put buyers and sellers off making big decisions as the diary continues to be busy.

“I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate our Wellington staff in winning the ‘British Property Awards’ for ‘Best Agent in Wellington 2018’ taking gold! The team have demonstrated time and time again the amount of effort they have put in over last year, in being awarded this fantastic and sought after award. They now go through to the regional and national awards, and would like to thank past and present clients, suppliers and Wellington itself for all its support over the years.”

Nick Maddocks, of Gibbins Richards in High Street, Wellington, said: “What with the lovely weather and other seasonal factors, the local property market has seen a slight slowdown in the last month or so, but that is to be expected for this time of year. Many are distracted with thinking of holidays, barbecues and, of course, the possibility of winning a certain football tournament this summer.

“But here at Gibbins Richards we are still busy – lots of buyers around and some great offers being made. The age-old problem of not enough new properties coming to the market will have an impact on activity at this time of year, but generally the market is rocking and rolling and has been all year.

“The most challenging aspect for most estate agents is managing the expectations of buyers and sellers with regards to moving times – it has become normal for a sale to take three or four months once the sale has been agreed, so extra time is needed all round, but please spare us the penalty shoot-outs!”