A study into the UK’s property market has revealed the average house price in Wales has risen by 4.7 per cent to £172,000 over the last 12 months.

This compares to the average house price in England which has increased by 12.2 per cent to reach £285,000.

Despite Welsh house prices rising slower than the UK average, there are those that believe Newport’s property market could rise faster rate than other Welsh locations. There is a feel good factor spreading throughout the city, thanks to a number of regeneration projects currently underway. In addition to the development of Friars Walk, increasingly being talked about is the proposed Business Improvement District for the city centre. The BID aims to create a safer and more attractive city centre to visit, shop, do business and live.

John Newell, of Kingston Newell Estate Agents, based within the proposed BID area on Bridge Street, said: “We are definite supporters of the proposed Newport Now BID and believe it could help transform the city centre and the wider residential property market. Having a vibrant, safe and diverse city centre where people can shop, eat out, be entertained and enjoy working is crucial in attracting people to live in the area. Newport Now BID can help achieve this.

"We are already seeing increased positivity about the city and are currently experiencing a shortage of properties both for sale and to let. It’s a good time to consider selling at the moment with all the positive press Newport is currently receiving. In the longer term, we believe that if successful Newport Now could be a catalyst for driving demand for housing in the city and helping to raise prices more in line with other parts of the country.”