The property market is booming right now, with houses often being snatched up on first viewings or taken off the market before you even get a chance to put a phone call into the estate agents.
As a nation, Wales' house prices increased by 11% in the year to March 2021, up from 8.4% in February 2021 and were growing faster than the UK annual rate of 10.2%.
And all 22 local authority areas showed an increase in average house prices to March 2021.
Based on analysis of average household income in each neighbourhood and the average house prices there, as well as the maximum ratio of loans equalling 4.5 times an income, only 27% of neighbourhoods in Wales are actually affordable for those living there.
For some areas of Wales, the price of a house far exceeds the salaries of people living in that area.
But in one part of Wales houses can be snapped up for just 2.5 times the average household income with the average price currently at £57,250. Sadly, however, the way the market is at the moment, you will struggle to find somewhere that price.
Tylorstown, Ferndale and Maerdy in the Rhondda are the least expensive neighbourhoods in Wales. The former mining communities are at the top end of the Rhondda Fach and are a short 15 minute drive to Porth, home to the closest train station.
All three villages are surrounded by beautiful mountains and are a short drive over the mountain to Aberdare. There are also shopping destinations such as Talbot Green Retail Park and Cyfarthfa Retail Park in Merthyr Tydfil close by, with a commutable route to Cardiff which would take 45 minutes from the furthermost village, Maerdy via the A470.
This is the kind of property you could get in the area:
Two-bedroom terrace house on Gwernllwyn Terrace, Tylorstown: £70,000
One of the cheapest properties available in the area at the moment is a two-bedroom terrace house. While cheaper homes may crop up on RightMove, they are often at auction, so will sell for more than the listed guide price.
This house boasts beautiful views of the valley opposite and a well-presented garden with some modernisation needed in some places throughout the property.
It has two double sized bedrooms and a very spacious living room.
It is on the market for £70,000 with estate agents Yopa. Call 01202066432 to enquire or visit RightMove.
Two-bedroom terrace on Fountain Street, Ferndale: £84,995
For just £14,000 more, you can secure a newly-renovated property that is ready to live in. Perfect for a first time buyer, this two-bedroom terrace house is just what is needed to get on the property ladder.
The home is on a popular street and is close to the town centre and with newly laid floors throughout.
It is on the market for £84,995 with Lanyons, call 01443563044 to enquire or view the property on RightMove.
Three bedroom terrace, Tylorstown, £95,000
Moving into the next price range you are looking at a mix of three and two bedroom houses again.
This modern home on Brynhyfryd in Tylorstown has three bedrooms and a separate toilet and bathroom as well as a large living room and separate kitchen diner.
The three-story home has stunning views of the valley beyond it and has a spacious garden to the rear.
It is on the market for £95,000 with Watkins Estate Agents. Call 01443563007 for more information or visit the property on RightMove.
Three-bedroom end of terrace on Duffryn Street, Ferndale: £110,000
Three-bedroom houses in the area are going for around £100k at the moment.
This property on Duffryn Street is a newly renovated end of terrace three-bedroom house that is ready to live in.
It has unspoilt views over Llanwonno mountain and countryside and offers generous family sized rooms with a flat garden to the rear.
It is a three-storey property, and as such has two reception rooms and one bathroom.
It is on the market for £110,000 with Nexa South Wales. You can call the estate agents on 01443400992 or visit RightMove.
Three-bedroom terrace house on New Street, Ferndale: £120,000
This home has three bedrooms, plus a loft room. It is modernised throughout and ready to move in.
It is a lovely family home with great curb appeal with a pretty green trendy front door.
It has a newly fitted kitchen as well as a landscaped garden.
It is on the market for £120,000 with Peter Alan. Call 01443308244 or visit the property on Zoopla.
Four bedroom converted detached chapel on Duffryn Street, Ferndale, £350,000
This is for someone with a budget at the higher end of the sale and is the most expensive home in the area right now - double that of the second most expensive home.
But if you picked this up and moved it half an hour down the A470 to Cardiff, you could guarantee it would cost more than double this price, even triple.
It boasts four bedrooms, three reception rooms, two walk-in wardrobes, two ensuites, bathroom, separate toilet downstairs, and two utility rooms.
What makes this property special is the additional cinema room, full-size gym and snooker room, a second gym room and mini bar.
All this would set you back £350,000. It is on the market with Express Estate Agency, Nationwide, call 03330165458 to make a viewing, or view the property on RightMove.
