Wales is still the region with the highest average house price increase.
The latest house price index released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) - a year-on-year comparison to November 2021 - indicates that the average house price in Wales has increased by 12.1% to £199,877.
But this is a drop from the 15.5% increase reported last month, indicating a slowing down in price growth, at least on a Wales national level.
The next UK region to see the highest year on year growth to November 2021 is Scotland, with a 11.4% increase to an average asking price of £183,000.
READ MORE: The 10 most expensive streets in Wales in the last year
Northern Ireland is standing at third with a 10.7% growth to £159,000 with England last, seeing a 9.8% growth to £288,000. London continues to be the region with the lowest annual growth rate, at 5.1%.
Overall, at a UK level there is still an upward monthly trend in average house price growth, which increased by 10.0% over the year to November 2021, up from 9.8% in October 2021.
The average UK house price was £271,000 in November 2021, which is £25,000 higher than this time last year. The Wales average house price, according to the latest ONS figures, is £199,877.
But the regional breakdown in Wales indicates one county that has shot to the top of the growth list.
Ceredigion is the latest region of Wales to show the highest growth in annual average house prices, with a 24.6% increase recorded. The average house price in this coastal county is, according to the ONS, £247,529.
Nigel Salmon, director of Fine and Country in west Wales, and specifically looking after Ceredigion, agrees with the growth figures, which he says climbed steadily in 2021.
He says: "It is coinciding with people becoming more adventurous in where they were prepared to buy and discovering the wild and wonderful area of Ceredigion where my family and I have lived for 20 years.
"Smallholdings, country houses and lovely cottages are all in abundance in the area and with people reassessing their lives during the pandemic geography was more academic for mobile buyers from around the country.
"I feel it's part of my job to show the area as much as the properties and people see the value of living, working and playing in this county. I am optimistic for 2022 and beyond and can only see the market continuing to be strong in this area."
Daniel Rees from estate agents Savills is from Ceredigion too and can see why it has become increasingly popuar as a location to buy property.
He says: "Ceredigion has a stunning coastline and idyllic countryside but people in Wales or further afield have only in recent years realised what it has to offer compared to some of the neighbouring counties.
"Improved transport connections and internet in the county mean people can both commute and work effectively from home while living in a beautiful part of Wales that offers a great quality of life."
James Skudder from Country Living Group estate agents thinks the area is increasing in popularity with buyers' due to a package of benefits.
He says: "We are seeing buyers who in large are not able to secure properties in what have traditionally been more popular areas, really widening their search parameters.
"The latest ONS figures are testament not only the unique variety of homes located here, but also the fantastic value for money for the properties on offer.
"A trip to Ceredigion leaves a lasting memory, the coastline is simply incredible, the high streets are bustling and filled with local home grown shops, businesses and amenities, and for a buyer, the overall package is a huge attraction."
The county offers a coastline that stretches along Cardigan Bay and includes some pretty seaside spots such as Aberaeron, a rural landscape that includes rolling hilltops and wooded valleys, and thriving towns such as Lampeter and Aberystwyth.
As well as a choice of breathtaking and community centric locations to call home, the region can offer a huge range of properties, from bargain renovation projects to some of the finest homes in Wales.
Here's what you can currently buy in the county of Ceredigion, but you might have to be quick to secure one as the area now becomes Wales' hottest property spot.
Most expensive
If money is not a problem, then a hefty £4m will get you a truly astounding property on the edge of the county and close to the coast at Cardigan and Aberporth.
For this budget, you get a 20-acre slice of not just glorious Welsh countryside but also a slice of Welsh property history that includes one of the Queen's distant cousins as a past owner.
The 17 bedrooms, grand ballroom, generous indoor swimming pool, many original features and top designer interiors from past and present await inside to impress you.
Outside, within the stunning grounds are an amazing and substantial collection of outbuildings.
Some of these characterful buildings have been converted into cottages and some waiting for a renovation project to bring them back to life either as an extra dwelling or a holiday let, subject to planning consent.
Find out more about the grand and opulent Penylan Mansion and see inside here.
This stately home that's a stunner is on the market for £4m with Country Living Group, call them on 01437 616101 to find out more.
Unique semi-detached
You could live like the lord or lady of the manor in the county too and at a lower purchase price than a few million, at the Grade II* listed Trawsgoed Mansion.
It is actually a semi-detached house - and a very grand one at that - and according to the estate agent selling this exceptional property, it is located in the principal wing of a once majestic estate known as Crosswood Park.
A slice of Welsh history is on offer with past famous guests to the impressive house including Kings Edward VII and Edward VIII, and prime ministers Sir Winston Churchill, Stanley Baldwin and William Gladstone.
There are stunning original period features to adore and potential to bring your own style to this substantial 10-bed half of this wonderful, historic house too.
Contact Fine and Country West Wales on 01974 299055 to find out more about this home for sale for offers in the region of £750,000.
Cute cottage
If a character cottage that just needs an update is on your list for a perfect Ceredigion property then this sweetie actually offers a lot, not just character and the chance to out your own stamp on it.
Outside there's a front garden that offers a veranda-style spot to park a bench and then park yourself and watch the world within this small village of Gorsgoch go by.
At the rear there's a surprisingly large garden with a bonus you wouldn't expect to find at a cute cottage - a good-sized stone building that oozes potential if you can get planning for it - a home office, a games room, a gym - or maybe all three?
While you're mulling over planning for the stone garden building, how about a loft conversion, taking this cottage to a three bed so that one of the bedrooms downstairs can be used as a dining room.
Not only will a loft conversion optimise the view to the coast, which is only about 20 minutes drive away at Llangrannog or Cardigan, it means a wall downstairs can come down to create an L-shaped, glorious kitchen diner living room, with French doors out to the garden.
The cottage has much charm already onsite, from the sash windows to the exposed stone and the opportunity for the new buyer to have a wonderful time adding more.
The cottage is going to auction with a guide price of £165,000 - £175,000 but is likely to sell for more.
Bidding will start at 11am on February, 22 and closing bidding time is 3pm on February, 23. Call John Francis Lampeter on 01570 540029 to find out more.
Help with your hunt for a home here:
Sea view renovation
This home has so much potential it is hard to know where to start, but maybe the best place is with the location.
Opposite the seafront and beach at Borth, the house has an uninterrupted sea view from every front window.
The price is almost as lovely as the view too, but with a prime coastal spot to call home, you can probably guess what's waiting for you behind the front door - yes, a full renovation project.
Inside there is currently a ground floor one bed flat and then a four bedroom house above it and both need everything doing to them, but both offer an exciting and rare opportunity to create your home and your business right next to the beach.
More than one generation of a family could come and be happy living here by the sea, or maybe the house could be yours and the flat rented out to a tenant or holiday visitors, depending on planning consent and your future plans.
The agent selling the home suggests it could also become four sea view apartments, but with a location this amazing, who would want to share it and not have it for themselves as their beachside abode?
The Borth bargain by the beach is for sale for £150,000 with John Francis, Aberystwyth call them on to find out more.
First time buyers
It's a mid-terrace with character that is firmly priced to be a first time buyers or small family's dream purchase.
Located in a rural village it's peace and access to the stunning Ceredigion countryside that can be offered here but also, according to the local agent, a thriving area too.
The cottage is within the popular rural Community of Pontrhydfendigaid, neighbouring the village shop, and a short distance to pubs, a primary school and churches.
About five miles away is the Teifi Valley market town of Tregaron offering a wide range of facilities, and within easy travelling distance to the larger towns of Lampeter and Aberystwyth.
The house itself has three bedrooms, a spacious kitchen diner extension and a loft room with further bedroom potential, subject to planning consent.
The cottage with character is on the market for £184,950 with Morgan & Davies, call their Lampeter branch on 01570 423623 to find out more.
Average price house
For around the new average price for the county of £247,529, you can get an end of terrace in one of the area's popular towns.
This newly-renovated home is nestled within the centre of the coastal and university town of Aberystwyth.
And here you can just turn up and turn the front door key as the agent says the traditional house has been recently upgraded into a modern home.
The ground floor has a sociable kitchen diner at the rear that leads into a bathroom, plus two separate reception rooms.
Upstairs there's a bonus shower room and two bedrooms.
But if a new owner wanted a third, maybe they would consider using the dining room, seeing as there's ample space to comfortably sit and eat within the kitchen diner.
This central college town home is for sale for £238,000 with Aled Ellis & Co, call the Aberystwyth branch on for more details.
Never miss the best property and interiors stories, sign up for the Wales Online Property Newsletter here.
