News - Latest Report from arlets.com

The South Wales Valley Property News - 27th June 2006

Arlets.com roving reporter has been in the South Wales Valleys (Brynmawr, Ebbw Vale and surrounding areas).

Traditionally a Welsh enclave with little outside influence, that is until 4 years ago. Nowadays you are as likely to hear a Scottish accent or Yorkshire or Essex accent around these parts.

Why? House prices of course.

4 years ago you could buy a 3 bedroom terrace for under £45,000 today in good condition £90,000 to £96,000.

Is the market saturated? No! Not by a long chalk.

Here's why:

There is talk of a train station at Ebbw Vale with links to Newport and possibly Cardiff. Road links are already pretty good to these areas plus going East to Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and even to Birmingham are all within 60 to 90 minutes.

Monmouthshire is already very expensive (although still in great demand) but for the cheaper buys the Valleys has to be it.

What's it like?

There are three roads going south from Brynmawr to Tredegar taking in small towns like Ebbw Vale, Nantyglo, Abertillery and Cwm. Before cars were common these old mining towns kept themselves to themselves pretty much but today it's easy to get around and the nearest Waitrose is in Abergavenny. The hills are stark and looming but still good for walks in summer and good for snow in winter (although no-one has set up a ski run yet!).

3 Bedroom houses start at around £60,00 which is still well below the average UK house price. It may not be another Monmouth but it's South East Wales, easy to get to and from and still really very cheap.