The demand for brand new properties is on the rise again as people see them as being wise investments.

That is the clear message from a Shropshire solicitor at the cutting edge of the property market.

Loretta Aston, Mortimers solicitors' property expert, said that she was receiving a marked increase in instructions from people purchasing new build properties for investment purposes.

She added: “Over the summer it became more and more noticeable that there was increased interest for new build properties.

“It then became apparent that a good proportion of the purchasers were already home owners and were buying these as investment vehicles.

“I think people are still sceptical about the stock market and they see bricks and mortar as offering the greater return in the long run.”