Buying in North Wales

The buyers
18 years ago, Andrew and Linda Haslett moved to The Wirral. Linda is an air hostess and Andrew's chemical engineering work takes him all over the world. With their youngest daughter about to start university and a second grandchild on the way, they're hankering to swap their jetset life for a more tranquil time by the sea.

They have a maximum budget of £750,000, to find a home with enough room for their children and grandchildren to visit.

Why North Wales?
Abersoch has been named as one of the top ten beaches in the UK. Stunning views of Cardigan Bay and St Tudwal's islands, and optimum conditions for beach sports have pushed property prices through the roof.

The coast of North Wales is home to an abundance of wildlife. Puffin Island is one of the best places to catch sight of some of our feathered friends in their natural habitat. The island is uninhabited but its home to nearly two thousand pairs of Puffins.

The Deganwy Quay Hotel is the only five star hotel in North Wales, and with amazing views over the Conwy Estuary it has attracted the likes of Colin Jackson and Ronan Keating.

Read on for Catherine's tips on buying in North Wales and our essential contact list...

Catherine's tips for buying in North Wales

Property in the area rose sharply a few years ago but now it's stabilised – so expect to pay pretty much the asking price or maybe 5% under.

Deganwy Quay and Beaumaris marina look likely to make properties rise in price along with the demand for housing to increase.

Beaumaris itself doesn't seem to feel the pushes and pulls of the market in the rest of Wales. It is a niche market that people will always want to buy in due to its natural beauty.

Children are taught in the local dialect in the area. A little effort by new buyers to learn a few phrases of Welsh would help to integrate in the community, but it's not essential.

The estate agents we used
The Property People Tel: 01492 877418
Beresford Adams Countrywide Tel: 01248 714115
Joan Hopkin Tel: 0845 337 5731

Hotels
Llandudno Lighthouse Tel: 01492 876819
Portmeirion Tel: 01766 770228

Other useful links
Deganwy Quay Spa Tel: 01492 564100
Plas Newydd Tel: 01248 714795
Porth Tocyn Hotel and Restaurant Tel: 01758 713303