SOUTHEND remains an “attractive location” for commuters to live despite failing to make the top 100 towns in a recent study, an estate agent has said.

Southend failed to make the top 116 of London’s most popular commuter towns in a recent study undertaken by TotallyMoney.

The credit company ranked locations by combining journey time, average house price, season ticket cost and life satisfaction.

While Purfleet topped the list and Laindon and Grays reached the top ten, Southend failed to make the cut.

Mike Gray, managing director of Dedman Gray Property Consultants, said that commuters are continuing to buy homes in the area, despite an increase in house prices.

“Perhaps they even forgot about Southend,” he said.

“I am surprised that Southend has not been recognised on this occasion, as we have definitely seen in the last few years an increase in buyers not only from further afield, but from London - those wanting to live by the sea but work in the capital.

“I am particularly surprised as the communications in Southend have improved so much in recent years.

“Southend feels so much closer to London than it used to be because the transport links are so much better.

“The C2C railway has enhanced this by being such an efficient means of transport and by their good quality trains.

“With a steady increase of house prices in our area, that reflects that Southend continues to be a popular choice.

“For three years running we have seen a slight increase in prices.”

He also highlighted the relative size of the wider Southend district, with nearby Leigh ranking 68th on the list.

Purfleet took top spot in the country with its very affordable housing and close proximity to the city, Laindon was rated sixth and Grays came in a close eighth.

The three towns were among only four that had average house prices of less than £300,000.