House prices around Shropshire revealed as county stays above national average

The figures were endorsed by Balfours, head of sales, Alistair Hilton, who said 2022 has been an exceptional year, which has added nearly £22,000 to the average house price.

“The average home in Shropshire is now worth £272,000, compared with the UK average house price of £261,000,” he said.

According to Zoopla, the average sold price for a property in Telford in the last 12 months is £208,821, Wellington £216,113 and, in Newport, it is £293,538.

The average sold price for a property in Shrewsbury in the last 12 months is £293,946, in Ludlow £298,330, in Market Drayton £292,058 and Church Stretton £383,630.

Mr Hilton said the current cost-of-living crisis has stabilised what was previously an overly hot market.

“The fact is there is a shortage of stock coming to the market, we continue to have prospective buyers on our books desperate for a little more choice coming onto the market," he said.

"The other fact is that those who are considering or need to sell even on the post-Christmas/early spring market would be well advised to get their house – so to speak – in order now.

"Whether you are moving for geographical reasons or as a result of the need to downsize or upsize being ahead of the game is to have greater control. The strongest buyers are of course those without a chain.”

He added: “What vendors sometimes forget is that if the market is steady, it is steady to buy as well as to sell, so providing the timescale between selling and buying isn’t too distant it can be a distinct advantage to off-load first rather than be caught in a chain.

“Yes, over the past month, prices in Shropshire have slipped. But looking back over the last five years, the average property value has grown by 34.4 per cent, reflecting how sound an investment in a home is and most especially a home in Shropshire,” he adds.

It comes as Savills recently reported attractive towns in Shropshire such as Church Stretton are in high demand.

In the period between January and October of this year, the postcodes of Market Drayton, Newport, Much Wenlock and their surrounding areas saw a 49 per cent increase in second-hand homes priced above £500,000 being brought to the market, compared to the same period in 2021, according to data provider TwentyCi.

Peter Daborn of Savills said: “Nicely positioned between Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth, Much Wenlock is a very traditional town that has a lovely mix of historic property along with some more modern development.

“There is a good range of facilities in the town, with a primary and secondary school, a selection of independent boutique shops, convenience stores, a top quality butcher and a selection of public houses.

“What we have noticed is that Much Wenlock is a very popular destination for those looking to commute to the larger country towns or the West Midlands, but wanting to make the most of Shropshire’s lovely countryside.

“As a larger market town, Newport is also particularly attractive to homebuyers because of the fantastic array of facilities within the town, including a Waitrose Supermarket and a high street with a selection of boutique shops.

“It also benefits from two fantastic state sector schools, Newport Girls High School, and Haberdashers’ Adams’ Grammar School.

“These are a real pull to the area and we find many people looking to buy in the town or the surrounding villages for this reason alone.

“Added to this is the flourishing Harper Adams University on the outskirts of Newport. The education and super facilities of the town are a huge draw, along with the growing employment opportunities – particularly with the latest and continuing development of the Ni-Park.”