The welsh village where house prices are surging by double figures

IT'S NOT HARD TO SEE WHY THE AREA HAS PROVED TO BE SUCH A POPULAR PLACE TO LIVE - AND PEOPLE ARE WILLING TO PAY EVEN MORE FOR THE PRIVILEGE 03:00, 31 May 2025 The Anglesey village of

Llanfairpwll is renowned for having the world's second-longest name, but it boasts more than just a unique moniker. In 2024, when property prices across the UK were struggling,

Llanfairpwll bucked the trend, with house values rising by 12% to an average of £266,746, according to data from the Land Registry. This growth was particularly notable given the 5.1%

decline in overall property prices on Anglesey in 2024, although the market now appears to be recovering. Llanfairpwll's resilience was highlighted in the latest Lloyds Coastal Homes

Review, which ranked the village sixth out of 197 seaside locations in the UK for the largest annual price increases in 2024. The allure of coastal living, which had driven up property

prices since the pandemic, waned slightly in 2024, with the average price of a seaside home dipping by 1% year-on-year. However, this shift left Prestatyn in Denbighshire as the most

affordable coastal location in Wales, according to the Lloyds review, published on Monday, May 26. Despite this, demand for properties in Llanfairpwll surged, although the reasons for this

are not immediately apparent. The village has long been a desirable location, boasting an "excellent"-rated primary school, a GP surgery, dentists, and a range of shops, cafes, and

pubs. Nestled near the banks of the Menai Strait and under the watchful eye of the 89ft Tŵr Marcwis (Anglesey Column), the village's standout feature is its superb transport links.

Not only is it enveloped by the A55, but it's also bordered by a railway line, which has made the village famous, reports North Wales Live. Indeed, the village holds a lasting charm for

visitors. Each year, around 200,000 people flock to Llanfairpwll to gaze at the 58 letters that form its adopted name. Article continues below Most gather at the railway station before

heading into James Pringle Weavers World of Shopping, with some even daring to tackle the 115-step climb to the top of Tŵr Marcwis. Adding to Llanfairpwll's appeal are its stunning

coastal walks along the Strait. It boasts some prestigious neighbours too, including the National Trust's Plas Newydd and, closer still, Plas Llanfair, another property once owned by

the Marquis of Anglesey and now an MOD mountain training centre. Given its firm boundaries – the railway and the A55 – land is scarce in Llanfair. A green field buffer strip by the A55 is

gradually being eroded, with the relatively new Llys Eilian development now bordering the dual-carriageway. Campaigners have been battling the expansion of the Y Garnedd estate, striving to

prevent the building of 27 "affordable" flats and houses on one of the village's last green spaces. Despite a 1,051-signature petition, their efforts were thwarted when

Anglesey Council approved the project last November. The development's backers have made the case for the dire need for affordable housing in a village burdened with a lengthy social

housing waiting list on the Tai Teg Register, emphasising the increased property values in areas where demand surpasses supply. Throughout Britain, Lloyds' review pinpointed the plush

Dorset area of Sandbanks as maintaining its position as the most expensive seaside spot, even with a 3% drop year-on-year, with average property prices remaining at a lofty £965,708. It was

Gourock, an old Scottish coastal town, that saw the largest price spike in 2024, enjoying a 24% increase. Following closely was St Mawes in Cornwall with an 18% upturn. Over the past five

years, this Cornish fishing village has witnessed a staggering 68% surge in house prices, adding an average of £222,602 to the price tags of local homes, a testimony to the draw of charming

seaside locations. Amanda Bryden, spearheading mortgages at Lloyds, remarked: "Coastal living continues to hold a special appeal – whether it's the lure of sea views, sandy

beaches, or a slower pace of life. "In some of the UK's most desirable coastal towns, average prices have dipped slightly over the past year. But, over the longer term, values

remain significantly higher – especially in the South West (of England), where demand from lifestyle movers continues to shape the market. Article continues below "At the other end of

the scale, there are still pockets of real affordability, where buyers can find coastal homes for a fraction of the price. For those willing to look beyond the traditional hotspots, there

are some hidden gems offering great value and a strong sense of community. "It's also important to recognise that not all coastal areas share the same fortunes. Some seaside towns

face significant challenges, from seasonal economies to a lack of affordable housing for local people."