A local firm of property specialists is reporting strong sales figures in a further sign that the Shropshire housing market is continuing to recover.

Shropshire-based Nock Deighton has revealed that sales volumes in August were up by 45% on the same period last year, whilst there was also a 12% increase in the number of new properties coming onto the market across the region compared with August 2010. The news comes hot on the heels of a UK-wide survey by the Halifax building society, which claims homes are at their most affordable for 12 years.

Michael Nettleton, Director of Nock Deighton, commented: "These figures are an extremely positive sign for the regional housing market. With interest rates set to remain low and stable for the foreseeable future, affordability is likely to remain favourable. And with a strong demand for property currently outstripping supply, especially in Shropshire which continues to remain one of the UK's most sought-after locations, this is great news for homeowners considering putting their property on the market."

Research from the Halifax has revealed that the proportion of disposable earnings spent on mortgage payments had reached its lowest level since 1999. On average, home buyers spent 28% of their income on mortgages during the second quarter of the year, down by almost half from its peak of 48% in 2007.

Founded 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.