BUDDING homeowners have stopped worrying about Brexit and are once again buying homes in south Essex.

And house prices across the UK were 5five per cent higher in the first three months of this year compared to 2018, according to the new Halifax House Price Index.

However, a Southend estate agent believes these levels haven’t quite hit south Essex yet this year, but the numbers being sold are definitely on the up and the market is moving again.

Rob Cooke, of Hunt Roche in Leigh, said: “If houses are being priced realistically, they are selling very, very quickly. The demand is definitely there, and so far we have had a lot of interest across the board.

“Whether that be first-time buyers, people within the area up or downscaling, or people relocating from London boroughs. There has been a lot of uncertainty surrounding Brexit, we noticed it a lot last year, but I think people have stopped worrying.

“A lot of people are now at the point where they’re saying, ‘I want to move and I am not putting it off any longer’.”

Mr Cooke added: “I don’t think we have had a rise this year to be honest.

“But prices have definitely levelled out, they are not dropping anymore.

“I think we are at the point where the house prices are finding a base level, and hopefully this year we won’t see quite so much fluctuation.”

Last year Southend was named as one of the areas with the fastest increases in prices, by HouseSimple.com. The increase has levelled out but is still causing difficulties for first time buyers.

Zoopla reported the average sale price for a home in Southend is £305,000.

Flats sold for an average of £182,000 last month and terrace houses at £258,500.

Russell Galley, managing director of Halifax, said: “The average UK house price now stands at £236,619 following a 1.1 per cent monthly rise in April.

“The index has seen a weaker pace of growth over the last three years.

“The ‘Brexit’ impact has lasted for a few months.”