Billericay vs. Barry: Which Gavin and Stacey’s place wins in terms of house prices?

The last ever episode of Gavin and Stacey will be shown on the BBC on Christmas Day at 9pm.

Viewers will join the Shipmans and Wests in Barry and Billericay for the final time. We might even find out what happened on the fishing trip.

A recurring gag in the series is a disturbing incident that occurred during a fishing trip Jason took with his uncle Bryn, played by Rob Brydon.

Apart from the characters and the plot, the television show has put Barry and Billericay firmly in the spotlight.

According to land registry data analyzed by mortgage adviser Alexander Hall, the average cost of a house in the Basildon area, where Billericay is a town, was £196,735 in 2007, when Gavin and Stacey first started.

Fast forward to 2024, the average cost of a house in this region of Essex is £367,556, an increase of 86.8 per cent on 2007 levels.

In 2007, properties in the Vale of Glamorgan, where Barry is located, typically cost £180,083, according to Land Registry figures.

This year the average house price in the Vale of Glamorgan is £300,519, an increase of 66.9 per cent on 2007 levels.

Stephanie Daley, partnerships director at mortgage adviser Alexander Hall, said: ‘When Gavin and Stacey first appeared on our screens in 2007, it drew national and even international attention to two cities in England and Wales that had previously been largely overlooked seen.

‘Today, the success of the show and the endless appeal of its characters have made both Billericay and Barry household names.’

She added: ‘In Billericay the average house price has risen by 86.8 per cent since the show first aired, while Barry has seen a rise of 66.9 per cent.

‘This means that both cities have outperformed the overall growth in England and Wales, which saw an increase of 62.1 per cent over the same period.’

Ms Hall said the rise in property prices in Billericay and Barry was not just due to their prominence in Gavin and Stacey.

She said: “Billericay is a beautiful and historic town in Essex with a rich history dating back at least to the thirteenth century.

‘It is renowned for its high quality of life with strong commuter routes into London, a selection of good schools and a real sense of community that many commuter towns struggle to cultivate.

‘It is also one of the safest towns in Essex, meaning it is ideal for everyone from young families to retirees.’

Ms Hall added: ‘Across the Welsh border, Barry is known for its coastal lifestyle, good schools and has all the right seaside charm, including the Barry Island Pleasure Park which plays an important role in the show.

‘It also offers an easy commute to Cardiff, one of Wales’s best employment areas.

‘And let’s not ignore the fact that Barry has been consistently named by the Center for Economic and Business Research as one of the most desirable places to live in Wales.’

Nick Henton, director at Henton Kirkman Residential, said: ‘The historic market town of Billericay, with a 30-minute journey to London, is a unique place where people will immediately feel at home.’

Let’s take a closer look at some of the properties for sale in Barry and Billericay.

Located on the Mayflower Park Development in Billericay, this two-bedroom terraced house is for sale through Henton Kirkman Residential for £350,000.

The buyer of this property can put his stamp on it and decorate it to his own taste. There is also room for adding value to the property.

Externally the house comes with two parking spaces and a 14 meter south-east facing garden. It is a 14-minute walk from Billericay Central Station, making it a perfect spot for commuters and holidaymakers.

This three bedroom Edwardian property is a real gem in the making and has fantastic potential.

It is for sale through Henton Kirkman Residential for £675,000. It features a characterful and classic facade, generous dimensions and an enviable location.

Internally, the property is full of light and packed with period features, including high ceilings, intricate cornices and large windows.

Although the backyard requires some attention, it is generous in size and has a sunny western exposure. All in all this is a property with brilliant potential.

This impressive four-bedroom detached house is for sale for £875,000 through Nina Estate Agents.

With three reception rooms and four bedrooms, this home is perfect for those looking for plenty of space and versatility.

Situated in the popular Lakeside area, this property offers breathtaking views across the lake and towards the Bristol Channel.

Outside, the property offers parking for many vehicles, a paved driveway leading to a garage with side access. At the rear a block-paved terrace with steps leading up to a landscaped lawn.

This three-bedroom semi-detached house in Barry is for sale through Nina Estate Agents for £410,000. It is close to numerous beaches, coastal walks and country paths.

Internally the property is immaculate and has been finished to a high standard.

At the front there is a driveway that provides parking for several cars.

To the rear there is an enclosed private garden with porcelain tiled patios, artificial grass and flower beds. The building also has a home office, with underfloor heating and separate internet connection.

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