An interesting article and I believe I have found a good area to buy in Bristol. It's Victorian 2 and 3 bed terraces, within easy walking distance of the city centre office developments. Typically you can find something in need of a very light refurb for £180-190k. I'm not at all convinced, though, that the modern flats by the harbour aren't already way overpriced. I'd also be interested to know how well they let. Of course, they may be like a subset of the London market.

I have been sent loads of flyers on the harbour developments offering all sorts of incentives to get them sold. Talking to my contacts at Kings Sturge who are behind a lot of this, the response has been poor.

I'm not in the least surprised. I have friends who own flats in the harbour area for ntheir own use, which are very nice if you like that kind of thing, but fromn the outset I have been of the view that there are far too many of them (and more being built all the time) and they seem terribly expensive. Some second-hand ones, interestingly, seem quite cheap. My view is that older houses in a good location are always a good, solid buy. With the likely introduction of a congestion charge soon, being close to public transport or the business centre is a good thing. I shall be very interested to see how the 2 bed terrace I am currently buying at £185k fares over the next year or two.

Jerry May I ask in which area did you purchase for this price? Are there any areas in your opinion not to purchase in? Regards Mags

What you mean you want the benefit of all my research? :-) BS3 generally is where I am looking, but not out at the Ashton end of it by the City ground. Victoria Park, Windmill Hill and The Chessels are the areas to watch in my view. Southville is now too trendy and expensive but the other side of North St (which is now sprouting trendy bistros and bars) looks like it will go the same way. I also think that Totterdown has a lot of potential, as it's nice and close to the new Temple Quay offices.

Jerry Have been looking at North Street, prices seem to be rising there, do not know much about the Totterdown area so will check this out. Many thanks for the benefit of your research, son will be hopefully moving to Bristol in a couple of years so thought we'd help get in on the property ladder now--if he doesn't go there then it will be investment for us. Although Bristol is only 3hrs away never been there apart from the airport that is. Going down in a couple of weeks. Regards Mags

I think for a student I'd be looking a bit closer to the university. A flat in a conversion in Cotham, perhaps.

He will be working there. His student days are now over thankgoodness!! Mags