Billericay is one of the most expensive places to live in Essex, according to latest figures.
But residents there are also more likely to be hit with inheritance tax. The average house price in Billericay is £283,000 - which is £138,000 more than the average property in neighbouring Basildon.
Estate agents in the town claim it is the schools and good commuter links that keep people buying in the sought-after area.
Peter Lynn, senior negotiator at Connell Estate Agents in High Street, Billericay, said: "I think people come here because of the schools and proximity to London.
"A lot of professionals are attracted to the area because they can commute into London easily. The schools are also scoring well and we find that's why a lot of families move here, too."
Helen Fenn, 48, of Ovington Gardens, moved from Rainham to the town 22 years ago.
She said: "Our friends and family have often commented about Billericay being posh but we only moved here because we really liked the area and felt comfortable here.
"We wanted our kids to grow up in a nice area where we felt they could play outside safely and make friends."
The prices in surrounding areas pale in comparison to Billericay's property prices. The average house in Wickford costs £215,000, in Basildon £145,000, while in Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham it will cost homeowners about £155,000.
Yet the residents of Billericay have an even higher price to pay, as they also have to contend with hefty inheritance tax bills.
Published Wednesday August 18, 2004
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