Home owners in the Aire Valley can expect the value of their property to soar when the long-awaited Bingley relief road opens next year, according to reports.

The area has been identified as a hot spot for growth as the housing market across Yorkshire shows no sign of a slump.

But estate agents claim this has already had a knock-on effect with prices rising up to 25 per cent in the last year leaving first time buyers in the Bingley area out of the market.

Property consultants Allsop & Co predict an average growth of between 10 per cent and 12 per cent for 2003, with areas like Bingley, Crossflatts and some parts of Keighley even higher.

Andrew Wells, of Yorkshire-based Allsop & Co, said a three bedroom semi-detached property worth around £80,000 now could fetch £95,000 to £100,000 following the completion of the £47.9 million road from Crossflatts roundabout to Cottingley Bar.

"It is going to make commuting from places like Keighley and the Aire Valley into Bradford and Leeds quicker," he said.

"It is also going to take traffic away from the main road which will mean houses close to the old main road are more pleasant."

And Bradford & Bingley Estate Agent's Housing Market Review claims there has been a high demand for new developments in Bingley from couples with young families and single professionals.

But Andrew Hodgson, area director for the Aire Valley offices of estate agents Dacre Son & Hartley, said an increase of 20 to 25 per cent on property prices in the last 12 months had priced many buyers out of the market.

"Unfortunately, it is a symptom of the increase in prices," he said. "The number of properties under £100,000 is becoming fewer and terrace houses which would at one time have been £35,000 to £45,000 have suddenly crept up to £65,000 to £70,000, which makes it very difficult for first time buyers."

Bradford Council's executive member for corporate and regeneration Councillor Simon Cooke said the area would become more desirable.

He said: "The relief of traffic will make it a lot more attractive and I think that if I had the money that is where I would be spending it."