NEW figures have revealed the most sought after locations to buy a house in north Essex.

Data from the Office for National Statistics reveals that of the 17 council wards in Colchester, Rural North saw the highest median house price in 2021, of £432,500.

This was followed by Mersea and Pyefleet (£415,000) and Lexden and Braiswick (£410,000).

By contrast, the cheapest parts of Colchester to purchase property were Castle, which had a median house price of £229,250, New Town and Christ Church (£230,000) and Berechurch (£245,000).

The number of homes sold in Colchester rose from 2,641 in 2020 to 3,396 last year.

Of sales last year, nine per cent (318) were in New Town and Christ Church – making it the busiest area for buyers.

At the other end of the scale, Greenstead saw just 146 properties sold in 2021, earning it the title of quietest area of Colchester's property market.

In the Tendring district, Ardleigh and Little Bromley was the most expensive area to buy a house in last year.

It saw the highest median house price in 2021, of £412,500.

This was followed by Kirby-le-Soken and Hamford, at £356,250, and Stour Valley at £350,000.

By contrast, the cheapest parts of Tendring to purchase property were Harwich and Kingsway, which had a median house price of £180,000, West Clacton and Jaywick at £180,000 and Coppins at £188,750.

The number of homes sold in Tendring rose from 2,616 in 2020 to 3,179 last year.

Of sales last year, seven per cent were in Lawford, Manningtree and Mistley making it the busiest area for buyers.

At the other end of the scale, Stour Valley saw just 39 properties sold in 2021, earning it the title of quietest area of Tendring's property market.

The Centre for Economics and Business Research said that following a period of significant growth during the pandemic, it expects house prices to experience downward pressure over the next year, as a result of sharp rises in mortgage rates.

Grainne Gilmore, head of research at Zoopla, said property values vary widely in large part because of the differing housing stock between areas.

She added: "The demand for larger detached homes during the pandemic has pushed average values for houses higher over the last year, while price growth for flats has lagged.

"But there are signs that demand for flats in city centres is gaining momentum, so we could see faster rising prices in this part of the market."