MAINSTREAM house prices across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole increased by more than 200 per cent since 2001, according to research by Savills.

In the past two years alone, property values jumped 19.2 per cent, based on Land Registry data.

The figures show that the average second hand house sale in the 12 months to November 2001, within the BCP Council local authority was £131,653.

In the 12 months to November 2021 the average was £397,167.

The 201.7% increase in second-hand sale price over the 20-year period is 3.4 per cent more than the change across the wider south west region (198.3 per cent) in the same time frame.

Five areas that have seen some of the biggest jumps in average second hand sale prices in the past 20 years are Mudeford and Friars Cliff (248.7 per cent), Penn Hill (198 per cent), St Catherine’s and Hurn (185.9 per cent) Broadstone (159 per cent) and Canford Cliffs - where the average second hand sale price of £926,884 represents a 169.6 per cent increase.

Bournemouth Echo: Wards with less than 20 sales in the 12-month period have not been includedWards with less than 20 sales in the 12-month period have not been included

Bournemouth Echo: Wards with less than 20 sales in the 12-month period have not been includedWards with less than 20 sales in the 12-month period have not been included

In the 12 months to November 2011, average second-hand sale prices across the conurbation had increased by 89.3 per cent from 2001 to £249,284.

In the past 10 years, average prices have jumped by 59.3 per cent.

Sean Gibson, head of residential sales at Savills Canford Cliffs, whose team celebrates 20 years since opening in the coastal suburb this month, said: “Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole has certainly attracted many buyers as a result of the pandemic and the desire for more space and proximity to open, public spaces. But what this latest research underlines is the area’s enduring appeal.

Bournemouth Echo: Sean GibsonSean Gibson

“The phenomenal level of demand over the last 18 months or so has been well documented. Every time we thought the market might slow a little we were proved wrong, with the market conditions creating fierce competition among buyers and in many cases properties have been selling within just a few days.

“There is a little uncertainty about how the market will react as we move through spring and into early summer and it will be interesting to see just how that progresses, but for the moment it remains extremely buoyant.

"There is a large pool of highly motivated buyers who are ready, willing and able to move and we are seeing more activity in the early stages of the year than we would normally expect which make for prime conditions for those looking to sell.”

Bournemouth Echo:

Reflecting on the changes in the local property market in the past 20 years, Keith Fensom, who opened Savills’ Canford Cliffs office in 2002, said: “One thing that has remained constant throughout the last two decades is the area’s attraction to a wide variety of buyers.

"Being by the coast has its obvious benefits, especially during the summer months, but Dorset is an area that remains as popular today as it ever has been.

Bournemouth Echo: Keith FensomKeith Fensom

“The popularity of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is that it offers a fantastic lifestyle that has an abundance of countryside and green space on the doorstep and a relatively fast commute for those working in London.

"The area’s growth during the last twenty years has been underpinned by a thriving property market which has been supported by significant interest from both overseas and London buyers.”

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