The Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney effect! Wrexham becomes UK’s busiest rental location thanks to investment in Red Dragons from Hollywood duo

Hollywood superstars Reynolds and McElhenney completed a stunning takeover at SToK Racecourse back in the spring of 2021. They have been regular visitors to British shores since then, with the pair often spotted at Red Dragons games.

They also figure prominently in the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary, which has opened up another window to the world. North Wales is now becoming a popular place to live and visit, with each property that hits the market now averaging 56 enquiries – compared to just eight in 2020.

Leigh Hayward, owner of Wingetts estate agents in Wrexham, has told The Telegraph of booming interest and why Reynolds and McElhenney are partly responsible: “Wrexham has benefited from it; the housing market has benefited from it. There’s a feel-good factor now.”

Karen Evans, operations director at Monopoly Buy Sell Rent in Wrexham, added on a “crazy year” for Wrexham: “There just hasn’t been enough properties to meet the demand from tenants and this has resulted in higher rental prices. Due to the sheer volume of enquiries we’ve been receiving for rental properties, we’ve had to reduce viewing times and host group viewing sessions. For cheaper properties up to around £900 per month in rent, we’re still seeing very high volumes of interest, with many working in the area still really needing a place to rent.”

Tourists are now flocking to Wrexham from across the globe, with American visitors regularly showing up at Red Dragons games while also stopping for a pint at the famous Turf pub. Hollywood A-listers form part of that group, with Reynolds and McElhenney inviting the likes of Paul Rudd and Will Ferrell along for the ride.

Local businesses have benefited from the presence of two superstar co-chairmen at Wrexham, with Reynolds and McElhenney looking to place as much emphasis on the growth of the local community as the football club that serves it. Phil Parkinson’s side are currently flying high in League Two as they target back-to-back promotions.