Most media coverage on property prices focuses on the areas where prices are rising fastest, or even becoming unaffordable. While that’s good news for people who already own property in those places, it’s not so good for new buyers and investors.

What most media reports don’t mention is that there are actually locations where prices are going DOWN right now not up.

Locations with falling property prices can present risks for investors and buyers, but they can also offer opportunities. In areas with falling prices, prices could just keep on falling. It might also indicate low buyer demand, or underlying weakness in the local economy.

On the other hand areas with softening prices, even if only marginally, can offer opportunities for buying a bargain. Lower prices means lower finance costs (and less stamp duty) and in most cases rental yields are higher. Areas with low purchase demand often have high rental demand as few people can afford to buy, offering opportunities for buy to let landlords. Very importantly there is always the chance of buying at the bottom of the property rollecoaster, with the possibility that prices can only go one way in future …. and that is up!

If you’re interested in buying or investing in locations where prices are falling at the moment here are 10 locations to consider:

Barnsley
Price fall over the year: 0.4%
Current average price: £87,053

Blackpool
Price fall over the year: 0.4%
Current average price: £79,103

Bridgend
Price fall over the year: 0.9%
Current average price: £117,174

Carmarthenshire
Price fall over the year: 0.2%
Current average price: £105,767

Ceredigion
Price fall over the year: 0.4%
Current average price: £155,649

Hartlepool
Price fall over the year: 3.3%
Current average price: £69,844

Middlesbrough
Price fall over the year: 1.6%
Current average price: £76,054

Monmouthshire
Price fall over the year: 0.3%
Current average price: £186,125

Rochdale
Price fall over the year: 1.6%
Current average price: £89,649

Sunderland
Price fall over the year: 3.5%
Current average price: £81,929

* All figures based on Land Registry data, Dec 2015 HPI.