HOUSE prices have risen significantly in Billericay this year, but estate agents insist that there are plenty of options for first time buyers.

The town's homes have increased on average by £31,000 since the start of the year, ranking fourth in the UK for property value increases.

Statistics produced by Zoopla show that Billericay homes have risen on average from £523,326 in January, to £554,625 in July.

The value of the average home across the UK increased by £11 a day during the first half of 2019, compared to the £171 per day rise in Billericay.

Jeremy Tyler, director at Tyler Estates, an estate agents in the town, said: "We have seen a huge spike in growth for good quality homes in Billericay.

"Since January, the market has really picked up as my thoughts are that over the Christmas period families decided they would go ahead with any plans to move regardless of external forces like Brexit.

"There are plenty of first time and second time buyers looking to purchase good quality homes in the Billericay which would naturally push the price of property’s up.

"There are also many buyers looking to move locally, however, the type of property they require is not on the market. so they are staying put until such times as the style of home they want becomes available."

Billericay sits fourth across the UK for value increases, behind Berkhamsted, Reigate, and Epping.

Essex is also represented on the list by Waltham Abbey, where properties have risen by £23,383.