£150k for one-bed flat (From Free Press Series)

£150k for one-bed flat

MONMOUTHSHIRE has become the 'Little Surrey of Wales' in the housing market, said a leading councillor.

Cllr David Waring made his remark when Monmouthshire County Council's cabinet were discussing their draft local housing strategy.

He added: "We have a new development in Nailer's Lane, Mon-mouth, where the cheapest property is a one-bedroom flat, which is selling for £150,000, and 27 of the 39 were sold the first weekend.

"You are talking about paying £500,000 for a four-bedroom house, and people in the county earn nine percent below the national average wage, yet we have more people earning in excess of £60,000 a year per capita than in Kensington."

Housing director Colin Berg said all Welsh authorities had to produce a housing strategy for the National Assembly, which will come into operation this current year.

Since July last year, consultation has been undertaken on the draft strategy to allow all sections of the local community to give their views. The strategy aims to address housing needs and demand.

The Monmouthshire Housing Partnership will be established consisting of representatives of the planning, housing and social services departments, plus Charter, Eastern Valley and Gwerin Housing Associations.

The cabinet member for housing, Cllr Jim Higginson, said: "We want everyone in Monmouthshire to have the opportunity to live in good quality, affordable housing, to be able to choose where they live, and decide whether buying or renting is best for them and their families."

He said there are 2,000 people on the council's housing register, including single people, families, couples and pensioners.

Average house prices in 2003 ranged from £74,000 for a flat, £102,000 for a terraced house, £125,000 for a semi-detached to £198,000 for a detached, but prices have continued to rise sharply, causing problems for first-time buyers.

The average rent paid by council tenants was £56 a week for a three-bedroomed house, and between £400-£500 a month for one privately rented.

The last survey recommended 396 affordable homes should be built in towns by 2005, and 177 in rural areas.