House prices in Pembrokeshires coastal hotspots have shot through the roof.

Some properties are on the market for twice as much as they were two years ago.

Although property owners may not get their asking price, we have certainly seen rises of between 60% and 70%, said Justin Birt of estate agents, Charles Birt and Company. My own thoughts are that property prices down here have been low for many many years. At the present time, the financial position in the country is good, mortgages are low, and the housing market in other parts of the UK is extremely buoyant. People get high prices for their properties or have high equity and this has a knock-on effect.

He felt that the new Pembrokeshire Coast National Park planning policy which only allows new build for people with local need would add to house prices in the area.

Patently this policy is not going to help the people it is intended to help. It will reduce the housing stock available on the open market and will force up the prices of existing properties.

People from away are continuing to move to the area either because of work, retirement or are looking for second homes. They are able to pay the high prices.

This is not going to change. We do not have the right industry to generate that kind of income.

I can certainly see prices increasing during the summer and it should level out in the latter part of the year.

Dominic Subbiani, of Frank B. Mason, said that there had been a significant price increase in properties in coastal areas like Tenby, Saundersfoot, Amroth, Manorbier, Penally, St Davids, Solva, Little Haven, and Marloes, in some cases between 60and 70%.

These hotspots are scattered across the National Park. People from outside Pembrokeshire, who are looking for holiday or second homes, are willing to pay top money for existing properties, he said.

He predicted that the National Park policy would only increase difficulties for local people.