'Steady' market prediction

Housebuilders and estate agents have forecast a steady year for the property market in Barnsley.

Homes are being built across Barnsley at several sites from the Dearne Valley to the town centre.

And more buyers and sellers are registering with estate agents.

One of the new developments is Wentworth Grange on the former Tracky site off Upper Sheffield Road. Persimmons is building more than 100 homes there and also has a site in Jump which has only six unsold properties remaining.

Managing director of Persimmon West Yorkshire, Wayne Gradwell, said the firm was considering other Barnsley sites for development.

“We’re expecting both prices and sales volumes during 2012 to remain similar to those in 2011 as the market remains stable."

Philip Williams, Barnsley branch manager of Haybrook, agreed but said the market was on a knife-edge. About 40 new buyers a week were registering who were ready and could afford to buy, he said.

"We might see a two or three per cent increase towards the back end of the summer when the market is in full swing."

Grant Sorby, of Sorby's, said he expected a 'stable' year but said things had picked up quickly since New Year.

Graham Johnson, of Whitegates, said mild weather had helped bring people to the market.

"There's a lot of pent up demand, especially for first-time buyers." He added sellers needed to be realistic about price.

The second half of 2011 had been strong for Lancasters. Agent Richard Crossfield said: "If that continues to be static we will be happy."