ACTIVITY in the property market is picking up, according to estate agents in Bridgwater.

The Mercury reported last week how housing developers were being drawn to the area by the prospect of major new developments such as the Morrisons regional distribution centre and Hinkley Point C.

And the demand for properties locally is already being felt, say town estate agents.

Gilles Irwin, from Nova Homes, said there had been a particular boost in the buy-to-let market.

He said: “There has been a good influx of first time buyers coming in at the bottom of the market, especially investors looking for buy-to-lets.”

Paul Hale, from Palmer Snell, said the demand for smaller homes was on the rise.

He said: “We are experiencing a shortage of certain types of property, especially for first time buyers who have secured a mortgage and don't want to wait around for months.”

Nick Hale, from Wilkie, May and Tuckwood, added: “There is a lot more activity at the moment and it does seem more buoyant.

“It's positive that people are coming to terms with the prices a bit.

“Sellers are starting to realise that if they sell for less, they can buy for less.

“We've already had some nice sales, which are normally people moving within the market, and it looks like there is also new blood coming to the town.”