Roaming around online looking at properties for sale, even if you're not actively looking for a new home, has always been a popular past time, but with the Covid-19 pandemic making more people re-evaluate where and how they live and maybe deciding now is the time for a change, the online property portals have never been so busy.
The market may be slowing somewhat in the past few months according to some analysts due to the rise in the cost of living, but the shortage of housing stock has countered this to a large degree - at the moment at least. Find out more about that here.
Daniel Copley, consumer spokesperson at property portal Zoopla says: "Whilst recent research from Zoopla shows a slowdown in property price growth for the third consecutive month, the market remains extremely busy throughout the UK and in particular, Wales and the West Country. Here the property market remains buoyant with properties to suit all budgets coming to market."
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The top 10 Welsh homes to be viewed online on Zoopla during June 2002 include an abundance of family homes suggesting that the need for more space is still an issue for many house hunters.
In addition, homes that have already been extended or given an upgrade are very popular, with the lack of availability of trades people and the rising cost of materials both current challenges facing anyone undergoing a renovation project, if a house is 'move in ready' it seems this is a bonus with many buyers.
But for anyone keen to grab a potential bargain via a rundown house that needs rescuing and renovating, these properties are becoming an ever increasing rare beast. Better be quick then to bid on the traditional farmhouse going to auction with a guide price of £150,000 but will surely sell for a lot more.
And no list would be complete without a dream home and June's is a special one - a pretty country pad nestled within six acres of land, surrounded by woods and meadows, and with a lake and bonus wooden garden lodge with its own hot tub and patio.
1. Brynhyfryd, Swansea: £375,000
A family home that has just about everything has been the most popular Welsh home in June, with six bedrooms and two lounges and a kitchen diner spread over three floors tempting people who want more space to have a look.
The house stands out on the street from the front as it is a one-off, bespoke designed executive home that includes an integrated garage and palm tree in the front garden that reminds you that this house is near the coast of Swansea Bay.
And in the back garden there's plenty of added extras to keep the owners busy in their leisure time. As well as a good-size deck there's a cabin at the end of the garden that has a separate room, currently a beauty room, but could be a home office.
And next door is maybe the best feature - a sizeable bar and seating area is this home's mini pub in the garden - no wonder it was popular. The house in Brynhyfryd, Swansea is for sale for offers over £375,000 with Sullivans Estate Agents, call 01792 732734 to find out more.
2. Brackla, Bridgend: £279,950
This newly renovated three bedroom detached situated on the popular estate of Brackla, Bridgend, is a dream for anyone with no time - there's no DIY to do unless you want to change any of the interior design.
From a sleek contemporary fireplace in the lounge to the wood flooring and pretty wall tiles, and the statement bathroom basin - each space can catch your eye with visually interesting and pleasing features.
There's three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two reception rooms and one very neat and tidy rear garden where it is surely a pleasure to sit out on the deck in the sunshine and be overjoyed there's no need to get the drill out.
This Brackla abode is on the market for £279,950 with Daniel Matthew estate agents, call 01656 750764 to find out more.
3. Llanelli: £350,000
This detached family home has been lovingly updated in recent years which shows in the immaculate condition both internally and externally according to the estate agent.
Maybe the central theme here is the space on offer - from the substantial front parking area that can welcome family and friends to the four reception rooms, three double bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The immaculate nature of this home follows on to the external spaces, where there is a more than ample, brick paved effect driveway with a variety of lawns and borders to the front, with the rear gardens landscaped to provide great patio areas
There is the further bonus of views over the Loughor estuary from the front of the property but arguably the view is even better from the back - a path and steps lead to a generous outbuilding that is housing a bar, complete with sofa and log burner.
The house in Llanelli is for sale for offers over £350,000 with Dawsons, call the Llanelli branch on 01554 784400 for more details.
4. Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth: £320,000
This modern family home is well placed for country, coast and town, with Aberystwyth and Cardigan Bay in one direction and the rolling rural landscape of Ceredigion and Powys in the other direction. Located in the village of Llanbadarn Fawr, there's peace and a close community to add to the list of lifestyle factors here too.
The house itself is a four bedroom home that can also offer a converted garage into a handy and versatile extra accommodation - bedroom, living room, playroom, home office - whatever the new owner's life requires of the space.
There's also a sociable kitchen diner that flows out into the garden via a set of large French doors - a garden that's also perfect for families - large, level and with lawn.
The interior design is modern and based on calm neutral tones and natural materials. The house is for sale for £320,000 with estate agents John Francis, call their Aberystwyth branch on 01970 330062 to find out more.
5. Felindre, Swansea: £150,000
Time to get the tool box out and the planning application in at this four bedroom, former farmhouse going to auction with a guide price of £150,000 but likely to be sold for much more. The house sits in a private, rural location, within around 4.3 acres of its own land and comes with stables and outbuildings that includes the old dairy and a hayshed.
The house is said to date back to around 1780 and was part of the Penllergaer estate north of Swansea and is grade II listed as 'a largely 18th century farmhouse with good surviving staircase'.
This chance to save and restore a traditional Welsh farmstead is surely going to be grabbed by an eager bidder when it goes to auction on Thursday, July 14, 3pm at The Rasoi Indian Kitchen, Pontlliw, Swansea. For further details contact estate agents Rees Richards & Partners on 01792 650705.
6. Llanelli: £255,000
This traditional semi-detached home is located in the sought after Denham Avenue and can offer a turn-key home that has all the joy of the 1930s design - bay windows, plenty of light, high ceilings and traditional features such as picture rails, plate shelving, stained glass window and the period staircase, but has been renovated to a modern standard.
Arguably the highlight of this hard work is the creation of a rear lounge, dining and kitchen space in an L-shape that then flows out to the garden and is achieved via a sledgehammer spending some time demolishing a few walls - and then support beams being put in to ensure the house doesn't fall down, of course.
The kitchen and bathroom are contemporary in design and mix shades of grey with fresh and crisp white, and the master bedroom can also boast an ensuite. For sale for £255,000, find out more from estate agents John Francis at their Llanelli branch on 01554 950294.
7. Mayals, Swansea
There's no on-going chain with the sale of this four bedroom family home in Swansea, so that should make the purchase somewhat easier.
And when the new owner does pick up the keys they'll be walking into a house that has been expanded at the back to include a spacious and sunny conservatory where the kitchen and the dining room of the original floorplan spill out towards the garden.
The two original reception rooms have been joined to create one, large sociable reception space and a set of glass doors connect them to the rear conservatory, creating a front to back view through the house, with the garden visible from the front room bay window seat.
There's more space created at the side too, making room for a surprise round floor bathroom behind a useful study that used to be the garage. Upstairs has been super sized too, with the three bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor joined by a fourth bedroom within the converted loft. Find out more about this large and lovely home for sale for offers over £425,000 by calling eXp World UK on 0800 358 1796.
8. Burry Port, : £585,000
If you want big, this one's an absolute beast, sprawling over three floors and offering four bedrooms, two with ensuites, plus a second floor kitchen, bedroom and lounge meaning a different layer of the family can be almost self-contained and independent yet still be under the same roof.
The location is a winner too, a short walk to Burry Port harbour, local primary and secondary schools, and local amenities, as well as the prestigious Ashburnham Golf Course. The beautiful Pembrey Country Park and beach is a short drive away, as are the towns of Llanelli and Carmarthen.
There's space outside too, with the gated entrance leading to parking for multiple vehicles as well as an integrated garage that could be converted into even more internal space if required.
At the rear there's a fenced and flat, family-friendly garden that comes with a sunny patio and handy brick built shed, as well as views out over the neighbouring treetops.
Inside, the rooms are light and spacious, with modern decor based on neutral colours and natural materials, and maybe the best features are the ones with the most inside outside connection - the French doors from the kitchen diner to the garden, the two bedroom balconies on the first floor, and the delightful wall of glass that nestles into the apex window in the loft bedroom.
The modern home near the coast is for sale for offers in the region of £585,000 with estate agent BJP Residential call them on 01267 236363 to find out more.
9. Kiletty, Pembrokeshire: £895,000
Once you start having a virtual look around this property it probably won't take you long to understand why this beauty has been a popular place for people to spend some time online having a good nose at - a pretty house in an idyllic setting that comes with its own lake and garden lodge.
Called Woodcocks House, the extensively refurbished period property sits in approximately six acres of land which has been meticulously transformed by the current vendor, according to the estate agent.
Inside is a mix of beautiful, classic country farmhouse features such as quarry tile floors, ceiling beams and tactile stone walls complemented with tasteful country-style interior design featuring soft, contemporary colours and natural materials, mainly wood.
Add into the decor splashes of pattern and statement accessories and the delightful home offers a warm welcome and inviting places to relax across the large kitchen diner, living room, and four bedrooms.
Outside the lake with the deck is the main, obvious draw, but wander further up the hill and you will find a pretty wooden lodge, with its own veranda and garden views. Inside this wonderful bonus you will find an open kitchen, living and bedroom space and a separate shower room, as well as a log burner hot hub on the lodge's own little patio.
This super special country home also has had a clearing created for the installation of yurts, plus there's a mature meadow, five workshops and a large driveway - and this parcel of property is wrapped with surrounding woodland that gives the site a sense of peace and privacy.
On the market for £895,000 the property near Kilgetty in Carmarthenshire is being sold via estate agents Brett Property on 01646 663951 and Crook & Blight on 01633 222333.
10. Carmarthen: £210,000
If unique is your thing, this chalet bungalow can offer a distinctive home and at the same time the opportunity to put your own mark on the the property via a renovation project that could be small - upgrades and updates - or big - extensions and conversions - or huge - knock it down and start again.
Situated in a popular location on the outskirts of Carmarthen with rural views, the plot is a good combination of rural and town, as well as a good size to take any extensions, with gardens at the front, side and rear, plus off road parking.
Inside, the house has lovely large rooms that have no trouble accessing light via multiple windows and two big bays in the two main living rooms at the front. The kitchen to the side is spacious and can easily take a dining table and chairs but is crying out for a wall of glass doors to connect it to the garden.
One of the living rooms and the dining room are separated by a wall - this could be relocated to the skip to create a sociable space but this has actually been done to the two reception rooms across the hall. So, if more than the two bedrooms upstairs are required, the second living room and separate dining room could easily and happily become bedrooms, making the total four, or a home office and playroom, or really whatever a new owner needs at their new abode.
For further details about this one, on the market for £210,000 contact the Carmarthen branch of John Francis on 01267 430069. And don't miss the best dream homes in Wales, renovation stories and interiors, join the Amazing Welsh Homes newsletter which is sent to your inbox twice a week.
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