HOUSE prices in Southend rose faster than anywhere else in the UK this century, according to HouseSimple.com

The firm claimed since the turn of the 21st century prices have gone up from an average of £71,879 to £280,948 in the borough.

This represents a rise of almost 290 per cent.

Although the figures made encouraging reading for homeowners, Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West feels such drastic rises make it very difficult for first time buyers.

He said: “The news Southend has been found to be the town with the highest rise in average house prices since the beginning of the 21st century is good news for some people and bad news for others.

“In essence, if you live in Southend already and are looking to buy another property in Southend then such news is neutral.

“It doesn’t surprise me that living in Southend is an attractive proposition for many people, by virtue of its proximity to London and good transport links.

“However, I entirely recognise how difficult it is for young people to get their first foot on the property ladder.”

The rise is about 11 per cent more than second placed Bristol.

Basildon also appeared highly in the list as the fifth highest rising area in the country.

With average house prices of around £305,000, prices had risen around 275 per cent since 2000 when you could buy a home for about £81,500 according to the data and research from the firm.

Speaking about the research, Sam Mitchell, chief executive of HouseSimple said: “In the middle of this 18-year period, we experienced one of the worst recessions this country has ever seen.

“It shows the resilience of the UK property market.”

James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East feels despite the rise, new buyers can still be supported when they buy a home of their own.

He said: “Southend is an amazing place for people to live with an increasing number of job opportunities and unrivalled natural beauty.

“I am pleased the Government has recognised the difficulties young people face getting onto the housing ladder with the introduction of the help to buy schemes.

“And by scrapping stamp duty for first time buyers, making it more affordable for people to buy their first home.”