Britain's northern and westernmost regions are among the best performing property markets, according to the latest house price report produced by Halifax, which compares performance in 2010 against 2009.
Conwy, in Wales, saw the highest annual house price increase at 13%. East Dunbartonshire and Dumfries and Galloway (both in Scotland) followed, with 12% and 11% respectively.
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These numbers should obviously be seen in the context of the financial downturn, where prices fell throughout 2008 and into 2009, recovering only in the early quarters of 2010, warns David Corrie of CKD Galbraith in Castle Douglas.
However, he adds, locations such as Dumfries & Galloway, which combine accessibility with scenic landscape, attract a steady demand that helps support prices.
‘Dumfries and Galloway remains desirable in terms of its convenient location, stunning coastline and scenery and low population, says Mr Corrie. ‘In Castle Douglas, we have seen prices remain relatively stable through 2010 and expect the same in 2011, however there will always be desirable property with the ‘X-factor' that achieves a strong price, even in a subdued market.'
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