HOUSE prices in Chelmsford have soared over the past year, an estate agent has revealed.

The city has seen a large rise of 15 per cent, with the average house price shooting up from £284,000 to £326,600, according to Balgores.

Affordable housing and the growing number of amenities in the city are the reasons demand is increasing, a Balgores boss explained.

Martin Gibbon said: “Chelmsford is experiencing a strong demand for property, which is pushing up prices 15 per cent year on year.

“Families and professional couples are attracted to Chelmsford because it offers affordable property.

“(It also offers) one of the best shopping centres in Essex, international restaurants, cafes and wine bars, the county’s historic 15th-century cathedral, good schools, and great transport into central London.”

The city ranked second highest out of the six areas, the estate agent has surveyed for house prices.

With average house prices of £377,335, Romford is in the top spot with 24 per cent growth on last year.

Essex as a whole has recorded a much lower average price increase of 11 per cent year on year.

Mr Gibbon continued: “Upminster tops the league table for property prices, with an average three-bedroomed detached property setting you back £456,714.

“A similar property in Hornchurch will now cost you £402,498. If you are looking for more affordable property, look to Brentwood, where an average three-bed costs £385,000 on average, or Chelmsford, where you will pay around £326,600.

“Basildon boasts some of the cheapest property prices in Essex and it’s here that you can get an average three bed in the region of £268,226.”