Richard Emanuel, director of Ceredigion-based estate agency John Francis, has been looking back at the property market in 2015 and given his thoughts on what people can expect this year.

For the last quarter of the year, Mr Emanuel (pictured) said it was clear that activity across the John Francis network has seen exaggerated peaks and troughs but eventually levelled with 2015 drawing to a close portraying a similar picture to that of 2014 – consistent.

“Looking ahead to 2016, the outcome of the Welsh Assembly election may well impact the local housing market, particularly in light of the Welsh Government’s devolved property tax powers, which take effect in 2017,” he said.

“We’re certain that the three per cent hike in stamp duty for buyers purchasing a second or buy-to-let property, as announced in the November Autumn Statement, will impact activity in quarter one as investors will be looking for a swift completion ahead of the introduction of the surcharge in April."

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