Torfaen is the local authority with the highest family house price increase in Wales - 33.1% in the last four years.
Property portal Zoopla found that in 2016 the price per square foot in this county for a family home was £124 and by the end of 2020 it had risen to £165.
Price per square foot is a method that estate agents use to value a property based on its square foot size, as well as location, before putting it on the market.
The calculation is a good indicator of price changes and how an area is increasing, or decreasing, in value.
Jenna Cleverly, director of estate agents Pinkmove Limited who sell homes across the county, says: "The Torfaen market has become quite the property hotspot in the last 12 months with prices rising between 6.3% and 9.5% depending on the area.
"Having lagged Newport for several years, we are now seeing an influx of people looking to live near the new hospital and along the A4042. A lack of new housing stock and growing buyer demand means prices have continued to rise.
"We are now seeing some difficulties while lenders catch up with the changing marketplace."
Jenna also says the buyers the company is dealing with are a mix of local people staying in the area but now requiring a family home, and buyers forced out of Newport due to increasing prices.
The company say some people are even drifting over the Prince of Wales bridge from Bristol looking for a bargain or more space for their budget on the Welsh side of the border.
So if you want your buying budget to go further, then maybe Torfaen is your perfect place to find more space for your money.
Here are some properties currently available in Torfaen to suit different budgets...
Mamhilad: £1.2m
You could buy a hefty slice of the Torfaen countryside if you have a hefty chunk of buying budget.
Ty Llwyd Farm is a period property in Croesypant near Mamhilad and north of Pontypool that comes with about 76 acres of land that is both suitable for livestock grazing or equestrian uses according to the estate agent selling the property.
The site comes with a large agricultural building, a stable block and an outdoor arena.
The estate agent states that adjacent to the house are two traditional stone and mixed construction single storey ranges, formerly stables and stores.
These do have some potential for residential conversion, either as annexe accommodation or holiday lets, but of course the necessary planning consent needs to be secured.
Inside the main house has three bedrooms, two reception rooms, a large kitchen diner, one bathroom and a lot of period character and surrounded by some stunning rural vista.
This farm site with out-of-sight acres of land is for sale with Fine & Country, call their Newport office on 01633 927 277 to find out more.
Abersuchan: £510,000
This four-bedroom detached farmhouse located in this popular Torfaen village near Pontypool is a substantial property that oozes character.
Dating back in parts to the 17th century, ceiling beams, exposed stone fireplaces, log burners and a stunning vaulted-ceiling with feature beams await you in the main house.
And within the third of an acre of grounds you will find a detached and super stylish separate guest suite, as well as a garage, office and workshop and CCTV and an alarm system.
There are four bedrooms and two bathrooms in the main house with versatile options for a dedicated home working space and plenty of country views surrounding the property to enjoy once the work is done and the deadlines are hit.
This historic Torfaen house is on the market with estate agent Fox Williams, call their Abergavenny branch on 01873 855503 to find out more.
Cwmbran: £280,000
In a quiet cul-de-sac this detached family home is quietly ready to impress you, with three bedrooms that includes a master bedroom with ensuite, off-road parking and an enclosed and sunny garden.
Inside, the home is designed for family living, with a semi open-plan spacious lounge and dining room connected by an arch and a stylish kitchen next door.
If required, it would be possible to even get rid of the wall between the kitchen and the diner for a truly open-plan family space, subject to budget limitations and expert structural advice of course.
There is a handy utility room off the kitchen but arguably the star space of this property is the converted garage which is now a children's playroom and extra sitting room, but could always be commandeered as a home office if needed.
Upstairs there are three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
This house with bonus space in Cwmbran is on the market with estate agent Pinkmove, call them at their Newport branch on 01633 746088 to find out more.
Garndiffaith: £240,000
No guessing what the unique selling point at this Torfaen family home for sale is; the incredible view out of the window.
Not many houses across the country would be able to claim a majestic stone structure almost in their garden, but this three-bed, detached home can do just that as Garndiffaith Viaduct is the closest neighbour.
A largely stone structure, the Grade II viaduct was used to carry the former Brynmawr and Bleanavon railway over the Avon Ffrwd valley to the village of Garndiffaith, where this cottage can be found.
The house itself has a sociable kitchen diner, spacious lounge, three bedrooms, a family bathroom, utility room and even a reading nook.
Parking is at the side of the house up a grassy driveway and the garden once landscaped would be a very special spot to sit and admire the incredible next door neighbour.
The house is on the market with Peter Alan, call their Cwmbran branch on 01633 484855 to find out more.
Find your next perfect home here:
Pontypool: £110,000
Even with a smaller budget a smaller family can find a three bedroom house in the county.
This terraced house has everything a young family with this buying budget could be looking for, including a garden at the back that has lawn for the youngsters and a very appealing deck area for the adults.
Alfresco dining, relaxing in the sun or watching the kids play, this bonus garden area is a welcome addition to this family abode, which would also appeal to first-time buyers.
Inside the two reception rooms have been joined to create a great family space, zoned into lounge and dining.
As to be expected with the design and style of these terraced homes in the area, the bathroom is on the ground floor, leaving the first floor able to accommodate three bedrooms.
For further information on this home, call Pinkmove at their Newport branch on 01633 746088.
