A local firm of leading property specialists is reporting a strong start to the New Year after registering considerably higher January residential sales and new instructions than over the same period in 2010.

Shropshire-based Nock Deighton revealed that new instructions during the first month of 2011 totalled almost double the amount recorded in January last year, while agreed sales were also up by a huge 56%.

In a sign of growing confidence amongst both buyers and sellers across the county, the firm has received new instructions totalling almost £8.8 million, up a staggering 95% in comparison to January 2010, while £5.2 million in sales were agreed across their offices in Shrewsbury, Telford, Bridgnorth, Ludlow and Ironbridge, against the £3.9 million sold this time last year.

Michael Evans, Director for Nock Deighton, said: "These results follow on from a very positive end to 2010 for the business, and show that parts of Shropshire remain some of the UK's most sought-after locations with buyers - not just from within the county, but from further afield too."

"There have been so many conflicting reports about the state of the property market from the national media, but it's important to note that Shropshire as a region has consistently recorded higher prices than the UK average. What we've seen in January backs up this trend and highlights there is still a healthy demand for property throughout the county."

Formed in 1831, Nock Deighton is one of the Midlands' most well-established and respected firms of estate agents, lettings agents, chartered surveyors, block management agents, and auctioneers. The company stands at the forefront of the modern property sector by embracing up-to-the-minute technology and industry best practice, and has a firm focus on achieving the very best results through a full range of specialist property-related services and dedicated staff.