Sign up to FREE email alerts from NorthWalesLive - Anglesey News Subscribe Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The sale of property in second home hot spots is surging in parts of North Wales - sparking fears over the impact on local communities.

Property fund Second Estates has analysed figures from Land Registry to find the holiday lettings hot spots in England and Wales - where second home buyers are helping fuel huge demand for properties.

It revealed that of the top 15 postcodes for percentage increases in home sales there were seven communities in North Wales and another two in Mid Wales.

The most affected was LL44 (Dyffryn Ardudwy) in Gwynedd - where there was an increase of 143% in the sale of properties over the past two years, compared with the previous 24 months.

Other areas near the top of the table included LL47 near Harlech, LL32 (Conwy), LL49 (Porthmadog) and LL71 (Llannerchymedd) on Anglesey.

Second Estates believe Brexit, the lower prices in Wales compared to other holiday areas, and the race to buy homes before the new Land Transaction Tax in Wales replaced Stamp Duty has pushed up demand.

Alistair Malins, CEO of Second Estates, said: “We’re starting to see a resurgence in less expensive seaside locations that are starting to catch up with their more glamorous neighbours.

“Wales also offers great value and it’s unsurprising investors have moved swiftly to snap up properties and avoid the hike in transaction costs.”

The news has concerned language group Cymdeithas yr Iaith.

Jeff Smith, the group’s communities spokesman, said: “These figures call for action from local authorities and Welsh Government to control the housing market.

“It’s clear that second homes have a negative effect on several aspects of community life, such as the sustainability of local services and the Welsh language.

(Image: Carl Hudson)

“Gwynedd, the area with the highest percentage of Welsh speakers, has a higher proportion of holiday homes than any other area in Wales or indeed England.

“County councils now have the power to raise a higher tax on second homes, and this power should be exercised as much as possible.

“Since April this year, Cyngor Gwynedd have introduced an additional tax of 50% - they should increase this to the maximum, 100%, and other councils should certainly do the same thing.

“It’s also vital that the Welsh Government ensures that the planning system provides the kind of housing required by local people, based on detailed local research, rather than feeding property speculation.”

Melfyn Williams, from Williams and Goodwin estate agents, said: “Second homes and holiday cottages do bring people to the area and there are restaurants, shops and bars that are thriving because of spending by people coming to holiday homes.

“There is the issue of adding competition to the market but on the whole they are not competing in the first time buyer market.

“It does raise overall prices but I don’t think there are many sellers that moan about getting a higher price for their home.”

Postcodes in North Wales seeing the highest increase in sales since 2016 compared to the previous two years.

Postcode/town or community/percentage increase

LL44 - Dyffryn Ardudwy: 143%

LL47 – Portmeirion/Talsarnau: 89%

LL71 – Llannerch-y-medd: 89%

LL49 – Porthmadog: 85%

LL32 – Conwy: 81%

LL37 – Llwyngwril: 75%

LL35 – Aberdyfi: 73%