HOUSE prices in Southend are poised to rise even higher as the new University of Essex campus in the town centre gets going.

First time buyers are already being priced out of the market in the town and it looks likely the trend will rise.

A recent survey has shown house prices in some university towns had risen by 20 per cent, almost double the national average.

Janet Garrett, manager at Tudor Estates in Victoria Avenue, Prittlewell, said: "Prices are already high in Southend because it is an attractive place to live.

"It also has two good rail links to London which makes it very much a commuter area these days.

"At the moment, the university is only just coming on stream, but there is no doubt there will be more pressure on accommodation when it is fully operational.

"I suspect we will see a further impact on house prices with the rising demand from both students and lecturers."

The University of Essex, Southend campus, has been leasing property near the town centre to provide accommodation.

Spokeswoman for the university, Heather Leathley said: "We endeavour to guarantee accommodation for first year and overseas students.

"At the Southend campus, a number of properties have been leased within walking distance of the town centre campus to provide good value, well equipped accommodation for students."

The survey by the Halifax showed Lambeth, home of Kings College, London, recorded the highest property price growth of any university area in the country with an average house costing £361,773.

The Echo recently revealed that a penthouse apartment on Southend seafront had been sold for £2million - making it the town's most expensive home ever.