WHILE prices are being slashed in the January sales, the same cannot be said for house prices in Haverford-west.

New research has revealed a house price growth of 15% in 2005, making Haverfordwest the sixth most expensive place to buy in Wales.

According to figures from the third Halifax Estate Agent (HEA) annual survey of UK towns, the average property price in Haverfordwest now stands at £162,732 - £21,571 more than in 2004.

Managing director of West Wales Properties, Neil Evans, told the Western Telegraph: "Twelve months ago house price growth was moving even higher at about 25%, which was driven by supply and demand.

"What has happened over the past year is that there is more supply around but not so much demand."

Director of John Francis, Nigel Jones, said Wales' largest independent estate agency had seen a slightly different reaction in the local property market.

"Generally across the John Francis region, from Swansea up to Aberystwyth and to Haverfordwest, there has been a 0% increase during the year," he said.

But manager of the Tenby branch, Andy Robinson, admitted: "In Pembrokeshire, the development of the LNG plant has created a unique micro-market affecting Milford Haven and surrounding areas.

"In these places, properties up to £150,000 have in some cases seen increases of up to 50% in the past 12 months.

"This is due to buy-to-let purchasers, and sales are also now being affected in the mid-range property values.

"The effects are also widening to Tenby, Pembroke and Haverfordwest for more senior LNG staff and managers, though some of those employees on longer contracts are looking to buy themselves."

q Chepstow and Penarth remain the most expensive places to buy a home in Wales for the third successive year, while Holyhead recorded the biggest house price increase with an annual rise of 30%.