Business
House prices edge up in Wales as economic concerns hit confidence
HOUSE prices in Wales continued to edge upwards in March, according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Residential Market Survey. However, short-term expectations for both prices and sales have declined, as economic uncertainty begins to weigh on market sentiment.
A net balance of 6% of Welsh surveyors reported that house prices were higher over the past three months—the first quarter of 2025—although the increase was marginal.
Despite the slight rise, confidence in the near-term outlook has weakened. A net balance of -24% of respondents now expect house prices to fall over the next three months.
Sales expectations have also taken a downturn. A net balance of -39% of Welsh respondents anticipate a fall in sales during the second quarter of the year, a significant drop from the 12% expecting growth in February.
The decline in optimism follows a fall in demand last month. A net balance of -25% of respondents reported a reduction in new buyer enquiries, while agreed sales also slipped, with a net balance of -7% reporting a fall—marking the second consecutive month in negative territory.
On the supply side, however, there was a more positive signal. A net balance of 24% of Welsh surveyors said there had been an increase in new instructions to sell.
Looking further ahead, the longer-term outlook remains more upbeat. Although the 12-month sales balance has now turned negative, a net balance of 33% of Welsh respondents still expect prices to be higher in a year’s time.
In the lettings market, a net balance of -17% of Welsh respondents reported a fall in tenant demand in March, while landlord instructions fell sharply, with -50% reporting a decline. Nonetheless, rents are expected to rise in the short term, with a net balance of 33% anticipating increases over the next three months.
Anthony Filice FRICS of Kelvin Francis Ltd in Cardiff said: “There are increased levels of instructions and a healthy level of viewings. Sales are being regularly agreed and vendors are increasingly taking advice on accepting offers.”
On the lettings market, he added: “There is a healthy choice of properties available, but with rising rents, tenants are taking time to select. The lower-priced properties are letting the quickest.”
RICS Chief Economist Simon Rubinsohn commented on the UK-wide picture: “The expiry of the stamp duty break was always likely to trigger a pause in activity. However, the latest results—and anecdotal evidence from respondents—suggest sentiment has also been dampened by the recent wave of negative macroeconomic news.
“Going forward, much will depend on the broader economic impact of the emerging trade war and how the Bank of England responds. While longer-term expectations remain relatively resilient, they could shift quickly if global headwinds intensify.”
Business
205-unit storage site at Pembrokeshire farm submitted to planners
A CALL to allow a Pembrokeshire farm to keep a storage facility for more than 200 caravans, boats, cars and farm machines as a form of diversification has been submitted to county planners.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr & Mrs Davies, through agent A.D Architectural Design Consultants Ltd, seek retrospective permission for a farm diversification scheme to accommodate the storage of caravans, boats, cars and farm machinery in four of eight agricultural sheds and on hard-standing concrete courtyards at Froghall Farm, Spittal.
The works were completed back in 2019.
A supporting statement accompanying the application said: “At present, four of the eight shed structures on the site form part of the caravan and boat storage scheme, with additional touring caravans stored externally on the concrete courtyards.”
It said the storage provision was split as follows: Shed 1 – farm workshop, and 30 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars; shed 2 – 16 caravans; shed 3 – 28 caravans, motorhomes, boats & cars – 28; shed 8 – cubicle shed, 11 units of farm machines, motorhomes & caravans; courtyard storage of 120 touring caravans, for an overall storage of 205 units.
The statement added: “It would take place in an accessible location, would incorporate sustainable transport and accessibility principles and would not result in a detrimental impact on highway safety or in traffic exceeding the capacity of the highway network; access road is a no-through road with no increase in traffic due to the nature of development.
“There won’t be a constant stream/flow of traffic as the site’s used for storage. Our client offers a towing service to sites in and around Pembrokeshire, which is used by 45 per cent of their customers, who are unable or prefer not to tow themselves. This gives our client control over the flow of traffic.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
Business
Wolfscastle spa earns prestigious AA recognition
WOLFSCASTLE COUNTRY HOTEL and Spa in Pembrokeshire is celebrating national recognition after its luxury spa was included in the prestigious AA Recommended Spa Awards.
The accolade highlights the hotel’s commitment to delivering high-quality wellbeing experiences, exceptional service, and first-class facilities.
The AA Recommended Spa status is awarded to venues that provide an outstanding guest experience, combining professional expertise, premium treatments, and a relaxing environment. The recognition places Wolfscastle among a select group of leading spa destinations across the UK.

Hot stone massage in the Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa treatment room.
The spa, which has been open for nine years, has established itself as one of Pembrokeshire’s top wellness destinations, welcoming both hotel guests and day visitors seeking relaxation in a tranquil countryside setting.
Facilities include hydrotherapy experiences, thermal suites, and dedicated relaxation areas, alongside a wide range of luxury treatments designed to help guests unwind and recharge.
Bethan, Spa Manager at Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised by the AA as a Recommended Spa. The team here work really hard to make sure every guest feels relaxed, welcomed and properly looked after from the moment they arrive.
“To receive this recognition is very special for us and reflects the care and effort our therapists put into every treatment.”
The award further strengthens the hotel’s reputation as one of West Wales’ leading hospitality destinations, offering award-winning dining, boutique accommodation, and premium wellness experiences.
Guests can enjoy spa days, overnight breaks, and tailored treatments throughout the year.
For more information or to book, visit www.wolfscastle.com.
The hotel is also marking a significant milestone this year, with owner Andrew Stirling celebrating 50 years at the helm.
Business
Pembroke South Quay boat shed expansion plans submitted
A PADDLEBOARDING and canoeing company’s call for an extension to a boat shed at Pembroke’s South Quay, below its historic castle, has been submitted to county planners.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, G Booth of Paddle West CIC, through agent James Dwyer Associates, seeks permission for an extension to the stone-built boathouse, adjacent to the cliff on South Quay fronting the Mill Pond, Pembroke.
A supporting statement says: “It is intended to erect a single storey ‘lean-to’ building, or ‘shed’ for the storage of boats, such as canoes and kayaks, and related equipment, on a vacant space adjacent to the existing stone-built boathouse.”
It adds: “The boathouse and the intended adjacent boat storage shed is located, as is to be expected, in close proximity to water, the Mill Pond. The Mill Pond is the main area of activity for Paddle West, a Community Interest Company, providing boating activities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, frequently for young people and families.”
It goes on to say: “It is intended that the structure would be lightweight, erected on the exiting hard standing. The ‘shed’ would be used for the storage of boats and related equipment.”
With regard to the historic setting, it adds: “Although the stone-built boathouse appears not to be listed, it is recognised that the walls above are listed and together they are a piece.
“Accordingly, through form and external materials proposed, timber cladding and profile sheet roofing, the aim is to ensure that the structure would be subservient and muted and not detract or compete with the visual aesthetic of the boathouse or historic walls. In effect the addition would blend into the background.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
The boathouse is sited near to the new Henry Tudor Centre in South Quay, which is due to open in Spring 2027.
The centre, expected to receive around 30,000 visitors a year, will tell the story of Henry Tudor, son of Pembroke, his Welsh ancestry and his impact on our national story, Welsh culture and our wider British heritage.
The restored derelict South Quay buildings will also house a new library and community café, and a healthcare, social services and supported employment facility in the adjoining premises.
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